North Dakota State
3-6
Drake
3-4
| Team | 1 | 2 | F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drake | 34 | 28 | 62 |
| North Dakota State | 20 | 30 | 50 |
NDSU Comeback Falls Short Against Drake, 62-50
12/7/2012 4:20:00 AM | Women's Basketball
FARGO, N.D. - Drake University built a 17-point first-half lead over the North Dakota State women's basketball team on Thursday evening in the Bison Sports Arena, and it was too much for the Bison to overcome, as NDSU fell 62-50 in a non-conference matchup.
Sophomore Jamie Van Kirk led the Bison with 12 points. Senior Katie Birkel and freshman Marena Whittle each pulled down six rebounds to lead NDSU.
North Dakota State (3-6) struggled from the floor in the first half, shooting 26.7 percent. Drake opened up a 34-17 lead with just under three minutes to play in the opening period, and the Bulldogs led 34-20 at the break.
The Bison rallied to trim their 14-point halftime deficit to three points on three different occasions in the second half - the final time coming on a Birkel layup that made the score 42-39 with 8:43 to play. Each time NDSU was able to pull within one possession, the Bulldogs scored the next bucket to maintain their lead.
Drake (3-4) outscored NDSU 20-11 over the final eight minutes to secure the victory.
Morgan Reid led Drake with 14 points and nine rebounds.
NDSU outscored Drake 33-28 over the final 22:30 of the game.
NDSU will return to action on Sunday, Dec. 16 at Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorite Creighton. Game time is set for 2:05 p.m. in Omaha.
