WAHPETON, N.D. — In a season of playoff heartbreak for local basketball teams, the North Dakota State College of Science women bucked the trend Sunday, roaring back from 16 down against Bismarck State to win the Region XIII Championship, 71-69.
Demi Van Gils played hero, dribbling down the shot clock before depositing the game-winning floater in the lane with 2.7 seconds remaining. Van Gils scored just six points in the game, but stayed focused and lulled the defense to sleep with her handles on the final possession.
A last-second heave from near the Wildcats logo fell short at the buzzer, signaling the end of a game which featured five lead changes and six ties.
Early returns were shaky against a hot-shooting Mystics squad, but NDSCS hit the half tied 39-39. Peyton Gette was instrumental in keeping the ‘Cats afloat, as the freshman from Kindred connected from downtown three times in the opening half.
Bismarck State’s frenetic pace resulted in a mind-boggling 16-of-53 mark from three-point distance. The Mystics shot 27 percent overall on 83 attempts, taking 20 more shots than the Wildcats, who shot 44 percent.
Maggie Westling, Region XIII Most Valuable Player, struggled to get open against triple teams as the Wildcats fell behind 18-9 early. The freshman from Milaca, Minnesota, scored on a paint look before the halftime buzzer, and kept scoring from there, closing the contest with 16 points and 17 rebounds.
Lolo Carlow (16 points) and Ava Boyes (15 points) used dribble penetration down the stretch to help NDSCS build a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter.
Wahpeton native and first-year head coach Bryant Friskop received an ice water shower from the water cooler as players celebrated following the win. Wahpeton Lady Huskies alumnus McKena Koolmo played a key role as well, dishing out a team-high six assists.
Bismarck State was led by 21 points and 13 rebounds from Harys Beauchamp. Aleah McPherson and Brynnlee Murdock scored a dozen each.
NDSCS will host the district championship Saturday. Stay tuned to kbmwnews.com for information regarding opponent and tip-off time. The game will air on B 92.7 FM.