MINNEAPOLIS-- Host Minnesota climbed back from a 16-point deficit and got a running jumper from Shayne Mullaney with 3.5 seconds left to hold off North Dakota, 46-44, Sunday afternoon at Williams Arena. UND held a 31-18 lead at the break, but nine straight points from post Amanda Zahui-- part of her game-high 25-- helped the Gophers reclaim the lead in the final minutes.
UND (3-3) countered a 5-1 advantage for the Gophers-- their largest lead of the afternoon-- with a
Katie Houdek basket and a
Leah Szabla three to tie the score at 6-all. After a Zahui jumper made it 14-14, North Dakota scored 10 straight points with triples by
Kelsey Knox and
Madi Buck book-ending the run.
North Dakota would run its lead to as many as 15 in the first half and went into the intermission with a 31-18 advantage.
Buck scored on a layup in the first possession of the second half, but a field goal drought of more than 12 minutes hampered UND and allowed Minnesota (9-2) to get back into the ballgame. The dry sepll finally ended when Buck nailed a three from the left wing to give UND a slim 41-40 lead with 7:47 to play.
From there, just three more field goals combined from the two teams followed as the gritty defensive battle played out. Free throws from Mullaney put UM in front before Buck's perimeter step-back jumper put UND back ahead, 43-42 with 4:41 left. It would prove to be the final field goal for UND with the Gophers reclaiming the edge at 44-43 on another Zahui jumper.
Buck split a pair at the free throw line and it was 44-44 with four minutes left. The teams traded empty possessions until Mullaney drove the right side and scored on a running jumper with 3.5 seconds left.
Siri Burck's last-chance three at the buzzer was partially deflected and Minnesota escaped with the win.
Both teams were without key starters as UM's leading scorer, Rachel Banham, was out after an injury and UND's
Megan Lauck missed her first game in her four-year career.
Madi Buck led North Dakota with 17 points while
Mia Loyd chipped in 13 rebounds.
Leah Szabla added seven points, six assists and two steals for UND.
UND hosts North Dakota State Saturday at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. Tip is slated for 2:00 p.m.
