MAYVILLE, N.D. – Bismarck State women's basketball earned its first road win of the season on Monday afternoon, pulling away for an 80–68 victory over the Mayville State (N.D.) Comets at Lewy Lee Fieldhouse.
The Mystics trailed early as the Comets set the tone in the opening quarter, shooting efficiently to build a 24–20 lead after one. BSC stayed within striking distance behind balanced scoring as the teams traded baskets throughout the first 10 minutes.
The game swung decisively in the second quarter as Jason Harris's team ramped up its defensive pressure and found its offensive rhythm. The Mystics outscored the Comets 25–8 in the period, forcing turnovers and converting at the free-throw line to take a 45–32 advantage into halftime.
Bismarck State kept its foot on the gas coming out of the break, matching its second-quarter output with another 25 points in the third. The Mystics knocked down five three-pointers in the frame and stretched the lead to as many as 24, building a 70–50 cushion heading into the final quarter.
Mayville State made a push in the fourth, but BSC stayed composed down the stretch. The Mystics continued to attack offensively and closed the game at the free-throw line to seal the 12-point road victory.
Ashley Martodam led all scorers with 21 points for Bismarck State, shooting 7-of-13 from the field and 6-of-7 at the line. Kennedy Stormer added 15 points and five assists, while Aleah McPherson finished with 12 points. Natalie DeCoteau provided a spark off the bench with 10 points, and Piper Harris recorded a team-high 10 rebounds.
Bismarck State finished the afternoon with 11 three-pointers and shot nearly 79 percent from the free-throw line, using balanced scoring and sustained defensive effort to secure the program's first road win of the season.
The Mystics improve to 4-12 with a 4-8 record in conference play, while the Comets fall to 1-17 (0-13) as they still search for that elusive first Frontier victory.
With the victory, BSC moves a half-game ahead of Bellevue for the number-eight spot in the standings, a spot needed to qualify for the eight-team Frontier Conference tournament.
The Mystics have a chance to improve their ranking to a full game on Tuesday, Jan. 20, as they take on the Valley City State (N.D.) Vikings. VCSU (5-11) is currently 11th in the conference standings with a 2-10 record in conference play, most recently falling to Dickinson State, 71-62.
Tuesday's game is set for 4 p.m. at the Jamestown Civic Center. The game was relocated last week due to a mechanical issue at the Valley City State gymnasium.
Check out the women's schedule for information on how to follow and watch the team during their upcoming games.
Be sure to visit BSCMystics.com and download the MysticNation app to continue to stay up to date with everything going on in Mystic Athletics.
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