BILLINGS, Mont. -- The Beavers started a bit slow but kept battling, and in the end nearly scored an upset Friday at the D-II Tip-off Classic hosted by Montana State Billings.

Transfer Sydney Gustavsson led the way with 15 points while Beaver point guard Vilborg Jonsdottir totaled 6 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, but the Minot State women's basketball team fell to the No. 3/5-ranked Tampa Spartans 63-57 at Alterowitz Gymnasium Friday.

The Beavers (0-1 overall) had two players score in double figures, led by Gustavsson, who added three steals. Emma Mogen tacked on 10 points, and Jonsdottir added two steals.

Led by Lorelei McIver's two offensive rebounds, Minot State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 13 boards that resulted in 11 second-chance points.

Minot State forced 22 Tampa turnovers while committing 15 themselves in Friday's game. The Beavers turned those takeaways into 27 points on the offensive end of the floor. Gustavsson's three steals led the way for Minot State.

Next up in the tournament, Minot State plays Florida Tech on Saturday at 8 p.m. (Minot time).
 

Coach's Comments
"As expected, Tampa, ranked No. 5 in the country, was going to be extremely tough!" Minot State head coach Mike Brandt said. "If we shoot the ball better from behind the arc (5-of-28) - which I am confident we will - it might be another story.

"You also have to make free throws - period," Brandt added as Minot State was 6-of-14 from the charity stripe. "No excuse.

"This was a great learning experience for our young team. I'm looking forward to another chance tomorrow!"

How It Happened

After falling behind 19-6, Minot State went on a 6-0 run with 2:36 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Jonsdottir, to narrow its deficit to 19-12. Tampa answered back and added to its lead, leaving the Beavers down 21-12 entering the second quarter.

Minot State then cut the Spartans lead to 33-26 before going on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Jonsdottir, to narrow its deficit to 33-31, a score that would hold until halftime.

Minot State's deficit continued to grow after halftime, and the Beavers faced a 52-38 disadvantage heading to the fourth quarter. Minot State knocked down one 3-pointer in the quarter to score three of its seven total points.

Tampa kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 58-40 advantage before Minot State went on a 10-0 run to shrink the deficit to 58-50 with 4:06 to go in the contest. The Beavers kept their comeback going, but Tampa managed to hold on for the 63-57 win. Minot State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 10 of its 19 points in the paint.

Game Notes

» The Minot State defense forced 22 turnovers.
» Minot State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Sydney Gustavsson led the Beavers with 15 points.
» Minot State got 5 rebounds from both Vilborg Jonsdottir and Jaime Skeggs.

This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.