NDSU Women's Basketball Team Triumphs Over Pepperdine in Overtime: A Story of Resilience and Teamwork
The North Dakota State women's basketball team demonstrated remarkable resilience and teamwork, overcoming a six-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure an 82-80 victory over Pepperdine in overtime at the Malibu Classic. This win marks a significant milestone for the Bison, extending their winning streak to seven games and improving their overall record to 9-2. The team's outstanding performance in the first 11 games of the season is their best start since the 2020-21 season.
Avery Koenen, a standout player from Montevideo, Minnesota, led the team with an impressive 29 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, achieving her fifth consecutive double-double. Koenen's exceptional performance included a career-high 13 made free throws out of 16 attempts, showcasing her precision and consistency. Her outstanding contribution to the team's success is evident in her two assists and two steals over 38 minutes of play.
Jocelyn Schiller and Marisa Frost also played pivotal roles in the team's triumph. Schiller contributed a season-best 15 points, making 6 out of 7 free throws, and recorded three assists. Frost, with a career-high 42 minutes on the court, scored 14 points, demonstrating her versatility and impact on the game.
The Bison's overall performance was impressive, with a 38.8% field goal percentage and a remarkable 76.5% free throw percentage. They dominated the paint, scoring 42 points, and capitalized on turnovers, adding 20 points to their total. The team's ability to maintain focus and execute their strategy under pressure was crucial to their success.
The game's momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter when Pepperdine took a 43-41 lead after a 15-4 run. However, NDSU responded by trading points with Pepperdine in the fourth quarter. The Bison's determination and teamwork paid off as they closed out the final 3:42 with an 8-2 run, sending the game into overtime at 70-70. In the extra frame, NDSU seized the opportunity, starting with a 7-2 run, taking a 77-72 lead. Despite Pepperdine's final surge, the Bison held their ground, securing the 82-80 victory.
The team's next challenge awaits as they prepare to face UTRGV tomorrow, aiming to continue their winning streak at the Malibu Classic. The game tips off at 4:00 p.m. CT, and the Bison's performance will be a testament to their resilience and teamwork.
