ST. CLOUD, MN --Natasha Elliott hit a buzzer-beating shot as time expired to lead the Minot State women's basketball team past the Saint Cloud State Huskies 60-58 on the road Friday.

A fight to the finish. The Beavers pulled off a close game with a buzzer-beating shot the second time this season by Natasha Elliott. Head (23 points and four assists), Elliott (14 points, nine rebounds, and two steals), and Emma Mogen (three points, four steals, and two blocks) led the Beavers (11-14, 7-12) in double figures and steals. 

Led by Elliott's four offensive rebounds, Minot State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 14 boards that resulted in 13 second chance points.

The Minot State defense caused its share of mistakes in Friday's game, forcing 15 Saint Cloud State turnovers while committing 13. Those takeaways turned into 15 points on the offensive end of the floor. Mogen's four steals led the way individually for the Beavers.

Coach's Comments
"What a great road win!" Minot State coach Mike Brandt said. "We played with extreme toughness and fought so hard! I'm so happy we were able to hang on with Tash hitting a fantastic shot just before the buzzer!"

How It Happened

After jumping out to a 10-4 advantage, Minot State went on a 7-0 run with 2:42 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Elliott, to increase its lead to 17-4. The Beavers then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 17-6 advantage. Minot State capitalized on five Saint Cloud State turnovers in the period, turning them into five points on the other end of the floor.

Minot State kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 7-0 run starting at the 3:51 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Mogen, to increase its lead to 32-18, a score that would hold until halftime. Minot State dominated in the paint, scoring eight of its 15 points close to the basket.

After intermission, Minot State held on to its advantage and owned a 41-30 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Minot State played well near the basket, scoring six of its nine points in the paint.

The Beavers then held on for the victory in the fourth quarter. Minot State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 12 of its 19 points in the paint.

Game Notes

» Elliott sunk a buzzer beater with no time remaining.
» The Beavers held the Huskies to only 36.8 percent shooting from the field.
» The Beavers never trailed after taking a 17-6 first quarter lead.
» Kate Head and Natasha Elliott carried the load for the Beavers, accounting for 62 percent their points.
» Minot State had a 43-34 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Minot State defense forced 15 turnovers.
» Minot State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive boards in the game.
» Kate Head led the Beavers with a game-high 23 points.
» Minot State got a game-high nine rebounds from both Kennedy Harris and Natasha Elliott.

This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.