MINOT, N.D. -- Natasha Elliott knocked down a buzzer-beating shot as time expired to lead the Minot State women's basketball team over the Northern State Wolves 67-66 at home Saturday in NSIC play.
Elliott's buzzer-beater came after Rianna Fillipi's three with 1.5 seconds left game Northern State its first lead of the game, on top 66-65.
The Beavers (5-3 overall, 1-1 NSIC) had three players score in double figures, led by Kate Head who had 19 points and six rebounds. Alexandra Baker tacked on 16 points and Elliott chipped in as well with 10 points and two steals.
The Minot State offense was very productive from three-point land, knocking down eight threes on 19 attempts. Baker was the most prolific shooter for the Beavers, draining three treys in the contest.
Coach’s Comments
“That’s our regular out-of-bounds play we run, we’re going to get it to the right person, the person that is open, and a second-and-a-half is plenty to catch and shoot,” Minot State coach Mike Brandt said.
“The main thing, it doesn’t really matter what play you run, you just have to execute it properly and that’s what they did.”
How It Happened
After jumping out to an 8-7 advantage, Minot State went on a 5-0 run with 3:09 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Elliott, to increase its lead to 13-7. The Beavers then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 19-14 advantage. Minot State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 19 points.
Minot State kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 5-0 run starting at the 4:55 mark in the second period to increase its lead to 31-21. The Wolves cut into that lead, but the Beavers still enjoyed a 37-32 advantage heading into halftime. Minot State saw non-starters score six of its 18 total points off the bench in the quarter.
After intermission, Minot State added to its advantage and owned a 54-46 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Minot State's bench made the most of its minutes in the period, as non-starters totaled five of the team's 17 third-quarter points.
The Beavers then held on for the victory in the fourth quarter. Minot State fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down two shots to account for six of its 13 points.
