Fargo, ND - A hot first half turned frigid as the University of Mary dropped an 86-69 decision at NCAA Division I North Dakota State University in a women's basketball exhibition game. McKenzie Foster led a trio of Marauders in double digits with 15 points.

The Marauders shot 48.3 per cent in the first half and entered intermission with a lead. Trailing by one, U-Mary went on a 9-0 run spearheaded by two Kaitlyn Haag layups to grab a 41-33 lead with 1:33 left prior to halftime. NDSU would score the next seven points to pull with 41-40 at intermission.

The Bison would pull away in the second half, using a 23-7 run to build a 12-point lead. NDSU's advantage would grow to as many as 19 points as U-Mary connected on just 28 per cent of its field goal attempts.

Foster went 8-of-10 at the free throw line and 3-of-5 from the field. She also added six rebounds. Ali Collins contributed 13 points, five assists and five steals. Kayla Schmidt hit 3-of-5 behind the arc and scored 11 points.

Linda Murray led U-Mary with eight rebounds and added nine points. Laura Petersen came off the bench to also chip in nine points.

The Bison were paced by Janae Burich with 23 points and four blocks. Abby Plucker had 20 points.

Both teams pulled down 36 boards but the Bison had a big edge in turnovers, giving up 18 but forcing the Marauders to commit 27, leading to a 36-16 advantage in points off turnovers.

Having now completed their exhibition season, the Marauders are set to open the regular season at home against Minot State University on November 15. Tipoff is 7 PM at the McDowell Activity Center.

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