Box Score (PDF)

FARGO, N.D. - Oral Roberts (14-12 7-6 Summit) closed the game on a 14-5 run, as the Golden Eagles downed the North Dakota State (6-18, 3-9 Summit) women's basketball team 65-54 Wednesday night at the Scheels Center.

The Bison led or were tied for most of the first quarter, as the game was tied seven times in the first frame. Sofija Zivaljevic hit a jumper in the lane as time expired in the first quarter to give NDSU a 21-19 lead.

Zivaljevic continued the run to start the second quarter, as she scored the first six points in a 3:05 span to give NDSU its largest lead of the game at 27-19 with 6:55 left in the half. The Bison went into the half with a 34-30 lead.

After a free throw by Emily Dietz to start the second half scoring, Maya Mayberry scored six-straight points for Oral Roberts, as the Golden Eagles went on an 11-2 run over a 4:29 span to take a 41-37 lead with 5:00 left in the third quarter. Oral Roberts took a 49-44 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Bison twice had the lead down to two early in the fourth quarter on a 3-pointer by Tyrah Spencer and a jumper in the lane for Dietz with 7:05 to play. NDSU hit just two baskets for the remainder of the game, as Oral Roberts closed the final 6:48 on a 14-5 run for the 65-54 victory.

Zivaljevic tied a career-high with 16 points, while Michelle Gaislerova joined her in double figures with 15 points. With three 3-pointers, Gaislerova moved into sixth in school history with 62 treys this season. Spencer had nine points on three long balls. KeniJo Lippe led the Golden Eagles with a game-high 22 points. Marina Fernandez had nine rebounds, while Gaislerova and Dietz had seven and six respectively, a career-high for Gaislerova. Spencer had a season-high five assists, while Rylee Nudell added four assists. 

NDSU was 20-of-52 (38.5%) from the floor and 8-of-20 (40%) from 3-point range. Oral Roberts was 22-of-57 (38.6%) from the field and 7-of-20 (35%) from 3-point range. The Bison were 6-of-11 (54.5%) at the free throw line, while Oral Roberts was 14-of-19 (73.7%). Oral Roberts had a 17-6 advantage in points off turnovers and 12-4 advantage in second chance points.

The Bison return to action on Saturday, Feb. 16 as they host South Dakota State.