Jan. 25, 2010

Box Score | Notes

FARGO, N.D. - Freshman Bethany Watterworth paved the way for the Golden Grizzlies with 14 points as the Oakland University women's basketball team (9-11, 6-3 Summit League) overcame a late rally to defeat North Dakota State University (10-9, 5-4 Summit League) 54-52 Monday evening at the Bison Sports Arena.

"That was so much fun," said head coach Beckie Francis."It's always a battle when you play North Dakota State. They are so well coached and I am so glad we came out on top."

After the Bison pulled ahead to an early 5-1 lead, the Golden Grizzlies came back and led by as many as three points, 12-9 with 10:20 to go. After NDSU tied the game at 12 points apiece with 9:56 to play in the half, the game became a dog fight, with neither team leading by more than two points. The advantage changed hands nine times throughout the half and produced seven ties.

The Golden Grizzlies pulled ahead by three points, 28-25, with a layup by senior Riikka Terava with 18 seconds to go, the largest margin by either team over the course of 10 minutes, and took that lead into the locker room at the conclusion of the first half.

Oakland took charge early in the second half, taking a 38-29 lead, the largest of the contest thus far, with 13:27 to play, thanks in part to a six-point surge by Watterworth. From there, the Black and Gold put their lead at double-digits, leading by as many as 15 points, until the Bison cut the lead to seven, 48-39, with 6:53 to go. But a pair of Watterworth free throws and a jumper by junior Anna Patritto put OU back in double-digits, 52-41, with 5:20 to play.

NDSU would find themselves in close range again when they took advantage of the three-point play with 2:14 to go that brought the Bison within seven, 52-46. The Bison then scored three quick points off another and-one opportunity and found themselves down four points, 53-49, with 1:11 to play.

A costly NDSU foul put senior Melissa Jeltema on the free throw line, where she sank a freebie to give Oakland a 54-49 lead with 19.3 on the clock. But, Ashley Samuelson knocked down a 3-pointer to cut the score to 54-52 with 10.4 to play. With 7.6 on the clock, the Bison regained possession and pushed the ball down the court, but the Golden Grizzlies came up with a defensive stop as the final seconds ticked away for the 54-52 victory.

Senior Hanna Reising scored 11 points off the bench and is now just one point away from notching 1,000 career points. Jeltema scored seven points, recorded three steals and led the Golden Grizzlies with seven rebounds.

The Bison had three players in double figures and were led by Abby Plucker's 13 points. Oakland was out-rebounded 35-30, though OU won the battle of the offensive boards 13-9, and committed 14 turnovers compared to North Dakota State's 29. The Black and Gold shot 39 percent from the floor while NDSU converted 46 percent of their shots.

The Golden Grizzlies will conclude their road swing with a pair of matchu ps against Western Illinois and IUPUI on Saturday and Monday, Jan. 30 and Feb. 1. Saturday's game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EST and Monday's is slated for a 6 p.m. EST tip. Both games can be followed via All Access or Live Stats at www.ougrizzlies.com.

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