BISMARCK, ND – In front of a massive crowd that supplied thunderous cheers, the University of Mary women's basketball team took down Southwest Minnesota State University 84-74 to advance to the quarterfinals of the NSIC tournament in Sioux Falls. The Marauders featured an even offensive attack that saw all eight of the players who saw playing time score. A big 21 point, 14 rebound double double by Lauren Rotunda led the way for UMary with Cassie Askvig adding 19, Macy Williams posting 14, and Megan Voit pitching in 11. UMary's ability to get to the free throw line proved to be a big difference in the game with the Marauders cashing in in 22 shots from the charity stripe, 15 more than the Mustangs. Williams accounted for 12 of those 22 made free throws.
FIRST HALF BREAKDOWN
The first half was a thriller that saw the Marauders slowly build up to a 10 point lead. The Marauders outscored the Mustangs 16-12 in the first quarter. UMary followed that up by outscoring SMSU 23-17 in the second quarter to take a 39-29 lead into half. All eight Marauders who played in the first half accounted for points with 11 by
Cassie Askvig leading the way.
SECOND HALF BREAKDOWN
SMSU was able to chip away at the Marauders lead in the third quarter, bringing things within four. The Marauders responded by closing out the third on a 7-0 run to take a 12 point lead heading into the fourth. UMary grew the lead to as large as 14 points in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs attempted to make a few runs, cutting things as close at seven, but the Marauders always had a response.
Lauren Rotunda dominated in the third quarter, posting 11 points as part of her 17 point second half.
Macy Williams free throw shooting was nothing short of clutch in the fourth quarter, knocking down 9-of-10 as the team hit 13-of-14 to clinch the victory.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Lauren Rotunda had 21 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, and a block
Cassie Askvig recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals
Macy Williams posted 14 points, seven assists, and a steal
Megan Voit knocked down 3-of-4 treys to post 11 points
Coral Gillette had nine points, seven assists, a block, and a steal
TEAM STATS
Field Goal Percentage:
UMary 53.8%
SMSU 46%
Three Point Percentage:
UMary 37.5%
SMSU 40.9%
Free Throw Percentage:
UMary 81.5%
SMSU 70%
Rebounds
UMary 31
SMSU 30
Assists
UMary 21
SMSU 15
Points Off Turnover:
UMary 13
SMSU 14
Points In Paint:
UMary 40
SMSU 40
Bench Points:
UMary 10
SMSU 24
UP NEXT
With the win the Marauders advance to the NSIC Tournament quarterfinals at the Sanford Pentagon. UMary will battle the Minnesota State University Mavericks on Sunday, March 1 at 2:30 PM.
#Marauders#