SMSU Win Thriller Against Bemidji State on Hawaiian Night

Box Score

MARSHALL, MINN.: The Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs went 9-of-10 from the charity stripe in the final minute of the game to earn a thrilling 75-70 victory over Bemidji State University on Hawaiian Night in Marshall on Saturday.

The Mustangs earn its first home conference victory improving to 8-11 overall and 4-7 in the NSIC while BSU falls to 10-10 overall and 6-5 in the conference.

SMSU's Liz Grider hit a huge three-pointer with 1:45 remaining to tie the score at 66-66. Tori Fink went on to hit two clutch free-throw with 1:03 remaining to put the Mustangs up 68-66. Fink continued to shoot strong from the line making two more with 40 seconds left to earn a four point, 70-66, lead.

BSU's Stephanie Peterson answered back on a quick lay-up with 35 second still remaining in the game. After a SMSU free-throw, Bemidji's Peterson again scored to put the Beavers within one with 21 seconds left. The Mustangs however were able to hang on as Abby Oakland hit two-free throws followed by another two free-throws from Sara Leidall.

SMSU finished the game shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three-point range, while out-rebounded the opponent 39-38 in the contest.

Liz Grider led the way for the Mustangs as she score a career-high 22 points as she was 5-of-7 from three-point range and 7-of-11 from the field while also adding five rebounds. Abby Oakland had 15 points for the Mustangs as she was 5-of-9 from the field and hit three, three-pointers.

Sara Leidall had 14 points and was a perfect 4-of-4 from the line while having a team-high eight rebounds. Heidi Kimmes rounded out the scoring with nine points.

Bemidji State was led by Stephanie Peterson who had 22 points while Heidi Matzke and Amy Lawson each added 18 and 12 points.

The Mustangs will be back in action on Friday, Feb. 1 facing the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. at 6 p.m.

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