Feb. 15, 2007
Box Score
Fargo, North Dakota - North Dakota State broke an early tie with a 26-2 run on its way to an 81-48 win over Utah Valley State on Thursday night. The Wolverines (12-12) went scoreless for seven minutes in the first half as the Bison (11-10) built a 46-20 halftime advantage.
The first half stat sheet reflected the disparity on the scoreboard. Utah Valley had 13 turnovers compared to just four from NDSU with the Bison out-rebounding the Wolverines 29-16 in half number one.
The Wolverines' leading scorer, Robyn Fairbanks, was held to just two points in the half while UV shot just 30% and didn't get to the free-throw line once, compared to 13 charity stripe attempts for the Bison.
Early on after Rebekah Peterson hit a three-pointer to tie the game at six with 14:40 left in the opening half, Emily Moran hit a three and Brenda Slyt scored two straight buckets to put NDSU up 13-6.
Following a field goal from Fairbanks, the Bison scored the next 19 points to build 32-8 lead. North Dakota State led by as much as 35 in the game before finishing with the 33 points advantage, Utah Valley's largest defeat of the season.
For the game, the Wolverines were led on the scoreboard by Julie McMurray's 18 points while Fairbanks finished with 13 points and nine rebounds.
Emily Moran led three players in double figures for North Dakota State with 18 while Amanda Girodat had 14 and Lisa Bue finished with 11.
Both teams struggled from the field, with NDSU hitting 33% compared to 30% from Utah Valley. The Wolverines committed 23 turnovers for the game while the Bison turned it over just 10 times and won the rebounding battle by a large margin of 56-38.
It won't get any easier for the Wolverines, who will travel to South Dakota State on Saturday night. SDSU has won eight straight games after Thursday's 78-55 win over Texas-Pan American and will be going for its 20th win of the season.
Game Notes: The 48 point total for Utah Valley was the lowest offensive output of the season and the lowest since March 3, 2005 ... the Wolverines fell to 2-4 in United Basketball League action with the loss while NDSU improved to 4-2.
