North Dakota State would start this game off early, leading. An Avery Koenen lay-up pushed NSDU out to an early four point lead, before Denver would capture the lead with a small five-point swing. A Claire Stern Layup with under three minutes left in the opening quarter would give the Bison a 13-12 lead. NDSU would later on close out the quarter up three, 17-14.
Denver would score the first six points of the second quarter, bringing them back in front. Both teams would trade back and forth in the second period, as there was six lead changes. Marisa Frost would hit a three-pointer to give the Bison the lead late in the second, one they would hold onto, heading into the break, up 33-30.
The third quarter is where North Dakota State would do their damage. After a couple Denver made free throws from Jordan Jones, both Abbie Draper and Abby Schulte would spark a 10-3 scoring run for the Bison. The 10-point streak would result in a NDSU 12-point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Bison looked like they were coasting along to a victory after an Avery Koenen three-point basket put them up 14. Denver, however, would quickly awaken with a 11-2 run of their own to bring the contest to within five, with around two and a half minutes to go. North Dakota would quickly score the next five points, three from the free-throw line, to push their lead back to ten with a minute and a half to play.
Coryn Watts would hit a three-point shot to give Denver one last gasp. Shortly after, Angelina Robles would grab her own miss and put in a jump-shot. The Pioneers would call a timeout and after the break, would get the ball back after a costly Marissa Frost turnover. Coryn Watts would hit her second three-point shot in a row, to bring this game to a single possession, down two points.
Avery Koenen would look for the dagger with just five seconds left, shooting a tough fade in the lane, missing the shot attempt but Abbie Draper would scoop up the rebound and put in a lay-up, getting fouled on the shot attempt. Draper would hit the free-throw, ending this contest in a 64-59 Bison Victory.
The win was the Bison Women’s 16th win of the season, their ninth in Summit League action. Abbie Draper lead NDSU in scoring with 28 points. The Waverly, Iowa native also grabbed 14 rebounds, securing her third double-double of the season. NDSU had a season high 44 rebounds on the night.
North Dakota State travels to Oral Roberts on Saturday take on the Golden Eagles Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
