Talk about a nail-biter! The North Dakota State (NDSU) women's basketball team pulled off an incredible comeback, edging out Pepperdine in overtime with a final score of 82-80 at the Malibu Classic! This Tuesday afternoon game at Firestone Fieldhouse was nothing short of thrilling.
The Bison, showing true grit, fought back from a six-point deficit in the fourth quarter. This victory not only adds another win to their impressive streak but also extends it to seven consecutive games. Their overall record now stands at 9-2, marking their best start through the first 11 games since the 2020-21 season. Pepperdine, on the other hand, now holds a record of 7-3.
Avery Koenen was a force to be reckoned with, achieving her fifth straight double-double. She scored a season-best 29 points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds. Koenen, a native of Montevideo, Minnesota, was a powerhouse at the free-throw line, sinking a career-high 13 out of 16 attempts. Her free-throw performance ties for the sixth-most in a single game in Bison history! She also contributed two assists and two steals in her 38 minutes on the court.
Jocelyn Schiller also stepped up, contributing a season-best 15 points, shooting 6 of 7 from the free-throw line, and leading the team with three assists. Marisa Frost also played a crucial role, netting 14 points over a career-high 42 minutes.
As a team, NDSU showcased their offensive prowess, shooting 38.8 percent (26-67) from the field and an impressive 76.5 percent (26-34) from the free-throw line. They dominated in the paint, scoring 42 points, and capitalized on turnovers, scoring 20 points.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions. NDSU built a nine-point lead (37-28) by halftime. However, Pepperdine responded fiercely, going on a 15-4 run to start the third quarter and taking a 43-41 lead. The teams then traded points, creating a tense atmosphere. The Bison managed to close the fourth quarter on an 8-2 run, capped off by a crucial free throw from Molly Lenz, tying the game at 70-70 and sending it into overtime.
And this is the part most people miss... NDSU carried the momentum into overtime, starting with a 7-2 run, including five points from Schiller, to take a 77-72 lead with just over 3 minutes left. Pepperdine made a final push, but the Bison held strong, securing the 82-80 victory.
NDSU will be back in action tomorrow to wrap up play at the Malibu Classic against UTRGV. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m. CT.
What do you think? Were you on the edge of your seat watching this game? Do you think the Bison's free-throw performance was the key to their victory? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
