Omaha, NE. – The Omaha women's basketball team couldn't quite overcome a slow start falling 69-53 to North Dakota State Thursday night at Baxter Arena. The Mavericks rallied in the fourth outscoring the Bison 24-12 but it wouldn't be enough in the end.
Leaders For Omaha
Elena Pilakouta led the way for the Mavericks after missing the first contest between these two teams due to injury. Pilakouta poured in 19 points, shooting an efficient 9-for-14 from the field.
Mariah Murdie also scored in double digits for Omaha chipping in 12 points to go along with six rebounds three assists and four steals.
Leaders for North Dakota State
Three different North Dakota State players scored in double digits including Ryan Cobbins who paced the Bison with 17 points to go along with five rebounds. Heaven Hamling chipped in 14 points and a team-high six assists while Emily Dietz scored 12 points and hauled in six boards.
Team Stats
Omaha shot 34.5 percent (20-58) from the field, while the Bison shot at a 52 percent (26-50) clip including eight threes and a perfect 9-for-9 from the charity stripe. Both teams were active in the paint where North Dakota State outscored Omaha 34-32. The Mavericks meanwhile forced 18 Bison turnovers.
Inside the First Quarter
The Bison came out firing in the first quarter, starting the game on a 15-2 run including a perfect 5-for-5 from the field and 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, including nine from Cobbins. Omaha answered with seven straight to make the score 15-9 with 3:45 left in the quarter, however North Dakota State would take a 22-11 lead into the second.
Inside the Second Quarter
Sophie Johnston opened the second with a corner three. The Bison would then take control for the rest of the quarter outscoring the Mavericks 14-6 including eight points from Hamling. North Dakota State would take a 36-20 lead into the break.
Inside the Third Quarter
North Dakota State once again got off to a hot start in the third quarter, starting the period on a 16-5 run. The Mavericks would end the dry spell with buckets from
Natalie Bartle and
Morgann Gardner however the Bison took a 57-29 lead into the final period.
Inside the Fourth Quarter
Omaha started the fourth quarter on a 14-0 run thanks to seven points apeice from Murdie and Pilakouta while forcing three Bison turnovers. The Bison ended the run with a bucket from Hamling and a Katie Hildebrant three. The two teams traded buckets down the stretch, with the Bison taking the 69-53 victory.
Next Up
The Mavericks will host North Dakota on Saturday at Baxter Arena with tip-off set for Noon.
