PORTLAND, Ore.-- Host Portland State overcame a 10-point first-half deficit and a 52-35 rebounding disadvantage to earn a 73-66 win over North Dakota Saturday afternoon in Big Sky Conference play.
North Dakota (7-10, 2-6 Big Sky) generated a quick 23-13 lead in the first half thanks to a 7-0 run finished off by a deep triple from Madi Buck, part of her dozen first-half points. PSU (9-8, 3-5 Big Sky), however, scored on four straight trips and eventually grabbed a one-point lead in the final minute before a Brianna Williams putback finished the half with UND in front, 31-30.
A 7-2 start to the second stanza put the Vikings ahead for the first half of the second 20 minutes. With PSU up 51-47, UND embarked on an 11-0 run that gave the visitors all of the momentum and a seven-point advantage with eight minutes to go. Following a Megan Lauck layup at the 7:48 mark to give UND a 60-53 edge, North Dakota failed to score a field goal for nearly six minutes allowing Portland State to claim a four-point lead.
Lauck tripled to trim it to a point in the final two minutes but PSU-- who started the game 1 of 9 from the free throw line-- was able to recover and keep the game out of reach.
North Dakota dominated the glass, with a 17-rebound edge, including 25 offensive rebounds. Emily Evers, who led UND with 17 points and 10 boards, had six offensive rebounds while freshman Mia Loyd added five as UND had tons of second-chance opportunities but couldn't convert enough of them to overcome its 27 turnovers.
Buck finished the night with 16 points and nine rebounds while Lauck chipped-in 14 points, six rebounds and a career-best seven steals.
Allison Greene led all scorers with 18, part of four Vikings in double figures.
UND will head home for a quick two-game home stand next week, hosting Sacramento State and Northern Arizona on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
