BROOKINGS, S.D. – The Omaha women's basketball team fell to South Dakota State, 81-47, on Saturday at Frost Arena. The loss moved the Mavericks to 6-14 overall (1-7 Summit League), while the Jackrabbits improved to 15-6 (7-1).
Leaders for Omaha
Freshman
Mariah Murdie finished with a team-leading 12 points and blocked a team-high two shots. Freshman
Elena Pilakouta recorded eight points, five rebounds and a team-high four assists. Freshman
Josie Filer added five points, nine boards and a blocked shot.
Leaders for South Dakota State
Four Jackrabbit starters scored in double figures, led by Myah Selland and Macy Miller's 15 points. Selland added five rebounds and four steals while Miller dished out six assists and grabbed five boards. Tagyn Larson added 14 points, three boards, three blocks and three steals. Madison Guebert chipped in 10 points.
Inside the First Half
South Dakota State jumped out to an early 9-0 edge. Omaha responded with a 5-0 run, sparked by a Carter jumper and a Phillips' 3-pointer. The Jackrabbits pushed the lead to double digits twice in the quarter, but the Mavericks responded both times and closed within 19-11 at the end of the first 10 minutes.
Omaha grabbed the momentum to open the second quarter with a 9-4 run. Murdie started the surge with a nifty move in the paint for a bucket followed by a 1-of-2 effort at the line. A Pilakouta layup and free throw cut the lead to 23-17. After a stop on the defensive end, Filer made it a three-point game, 23-20, with a 3-pointer midway through the stanza. South Dakota State sopped Omaha's comeback with four straight from Selland and the two teams went to the locker room with the Jackrabbits holding a 35-29 lead.
Inside the Second Half
South Dakota State shot 54.3 (19-of-35) in the second half, while Omaha shot 20.7 (6-of-29) from the floor. Pilakouta led the Mavericks with three points, three rebounds and four assists in the final 20 minutes. The Jackrabbits outscored the Mavericks 46-18 in the second half to claim the 81-47 victory.
Up Next
Omaha returns to the hardwood on Wednesday, Jan. 30 as the Mavericks host Peru State at 7 p.m. in Baxter Arena. Links to live stats, audio and video will be available on OMavs.com.
