BISMARCK, N.D. - Returning home after two tough defeats on the road, the University of Mary Women's Basketball team spread the wealth tonight as four players registered double digit points against Minnesota State University Moorhead as the Marauders bounced back with a 69-64 victory over the Dragons in another tough Northern Sun matchup.
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The first half sang a familiar tune as both teams battled for the lead throughout the course of the half. U-Mary got on top first early on with an 11-4 lead at 15:14 off an 8-0 run, but the Dragons responded with a 9-0 run of their own to take the lead back 13-11 with 12:34 left on the clock.
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The Marauders made some quick adjustments and fought back to regain the lead by the second media break of the first half. The Marauders got on top at 16-13 but MSU Moorhead would go away quietly as they battled back to tie the score at 22-22 at the final media break.
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U-Mary responded in kind and eventually regained the lead that would hold until halftime as the Marauders stayed on top 30-27.
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In the first there was a total of eight lead changes and four ties, but the second half had exactly zero lead changes and ties.
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The Marauders came out of halftime firing on all cylinders and extended their lead to 42-29 with 13:52 remaining in the game. While the Dragons were able to narrow the score several times, like the mythological Greek king Sisyphus pushing a boulder uphill for an eternity, their efforts were in vain. MSU Moorhead narrowed the deficit to 43-34 at 11:40, but the Marauders built it back up to 48-35 at 10:19.
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The Dragons got it back down to 48-39 at 9:09, but U-Mary was matching them step-for-step and extended the lead back to 52-39 at 8:19. MSU Moorhead fought tooth-and-nail to narrow the margin back down to 59-58 with 3:37 left on the clock, but the Marauders kept a level head and methodically built their lead back up to 63-58 with 2:24 remaining.
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The Dragons kept trying to get back into the game, but by this point it was too late and the Marauders held on to secure the victory 69-64.
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Brittney Dietz led all scores with 17 points in 39 minutes played. She recorded her first double double of the year with 11 rebounds and was on pace for a triple double with five assists. She also had one steal on the night.
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Sloan Turner continues to provide a force on the interior as she finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks in 31 minutes. She finished the game shooting 6-of-13 from the field and 4-of-7 from the line.
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Dani Clarke provided a perimeter threat tonight with 13 points, seven rebounds, and three steals in 29 minutes of action. She finished the game shooting 3-for-10 from beyond the arc and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe down the stretch.
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Haley Hibbs netted her third game this season with double-digit points as she finished with 11 on 3-for-8 shooting from long range. She also added three rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 32 minutes on the floor.
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Dani Williams was a spark off the bench as she added eight points, four rebounds, and three assists in 20 minutes played.
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The Marauders (7-8, 5-4 NSIC) will host #6 Northern State University tomorrow night as U-Mary looks to avenge another early season loss.
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