Box Score Moorhead, Minn.—Behind a career-high 24 points from senior Shaunna Knife, the University of Mary clinched a home play-off game with an 81-79 victory of MSU Moorhead. Trailing by as many as 15 in the second half, the Dragons battled back and had a chance to take the lead with three second remaining, but failed to convert on a lay-up.
 
Ali Collins scored 18 and Brittney Dietz added 13 off the bench for the Marauders (17-10, 12-9 NSIC).
 
Megan Strese finished with a career-high  26 points and 15 rebounds for the Dragons (14-11, 11-10 NSIC). 
 
The Marauders started the game out by scoring the first seven points. Up by four with 12:32 until intermission, U-Mary went on an 9-0 run to build their lead to 13. The run was started by a pair of Knife free throws and was capped off by a Knife three-point-play. Just minutes later Kelsey Peltier hit a three to give U-Mary their largest lead of the night at 16. The Dragons answered with an 11-0 run to pull within six. Nearly losing the lead, the Marauders entered the half leading 38-36.
 
Up two at half, U-Mary ballooned their lead to 15 midway through the second half after a 12-0 run. MSUM refused to give up, however, as they battled back to tie the game with 2:59 remaining. McKenzie Foster responded on the ensuing possession knocking down one of her three, three pointers on the night to put U-Mary back on top.
 
Despite the Marauders leading by as many as 16 and never surrendering the lead, the Dragons had a shot to win the game down the stretch. After a missed free throw by U-Mary, MSU Moorhead took possession with 17 seconds remaining and the game on the line. The Dragons were able to get into the paint, but the Marauders defense forced a miss with two seconds remaining. Shanara Clark corralled the rebound and hit one of two free throw as U-Mary held on for the win.
 
Moorhead held a 51-32 advantage on the glass and had 18 offensive rebounds. Despite a significant size disparity, the Marauders actually outscored the Dragons 32-26 in the paint. U-Mary outshot MSUM 45-39 from the field and 38-26 from beyond the arc. The Marauders had just 11 turnovers to the Dragons 16.
 
With the win the Marauders have now clinched a home playoff game. Up next for U-Mary is a rematch with Northern State (15-10, 11-10 NSIC) tomorrow night at four. If the Marauders defeat the Wolves they will lock up the number two seed and host Upper Iowa. If they lose, they will have the third seed and host Sioux Falls.

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