QUICK JUMPERS

* Saturday's contest will mark the end of non conference play in 2021. The Fighting Hawks will open conference play with inner-state rival North Dakota State on Dec. 22.

* The University of North Dakota and Detroit Mercy have not played each other in the history of their programs.

* The Fighting Hawks acquired a transfer, Sammiyah Hoskins, from Detroit Mercy this past year. Hoskins, who was an asset with starters missing at the beginning of the year, currently averages 3.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, and a .750 free throw percentage.

* Kacie Borowicz led UND against Mayville State. She finished the evening with 17 points and five rebounds. Borowicz shot 9/10 from the free throw line.

* Olivia Lane followed Borowicz closely in the Fighting Hawks victory over Mayville State. The junior from Pequot Lakes, Minn. finished the evening with 16 points and nine rebounds.

* Detroit Mercy currently sits at an 0-9 record.  This includes their 0-4 conference record.

 * UND was ranked ninth in the Summit's Preseason Coaches' Poll. They will head into conference play before the holiday break facing NDSU at home.

ON TAP

The North Dakota Fighting Hawks travel to Michigan to compete against Detroit Mercy on Saturday, Dec. 18. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.

LAST TIME OUT

The University of North Dakota defeated Mayville State, 72-65. The Comets took the initial lead, but the Fighting Hawks were able to respond quickly to tie it. UND was unable to take the lead in the first since they suffered some shooting woes, which kept the Comets up 15-14 as they headed into the second quarter. The Fighting Hawks would continue to battle and would take the lead with back-to-back threes from Maggie Manson. This lead would be maintained as they headed into halftime up 35-32. The Comets tied the game with a three right out of the intermission, but Melissa Leet would score the next three baskets to help UND extend the lead and keep it to win 72-65. Kacie Borowicz ended the game as the offensive leader for the Fighting Hawks with 17 points, three assists and five rebounds. Olivia Lane ended right behind her with 16 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Leet and Manson ended the night in double digits for the Fighting Hawks. Leet had 12 points and six rebounds. Manson ended the night with 11 points and two assists. The Fighting Hawks finished shooting 36.2 percent from the field, 30.0 percent from the three and 79.2 percent from the free throw line. Mayville State shot 32.8 percent from the floor, 23.1 percent from the three and 68.2 percent from the line.

ALL-TIME WITH DETROIT MERCY

The University of North Dakota and Detroit Mercy have not played each other in the history of their programs. Saturday's game will mark the first match-up between the two.

MANSON'S MOMENTUM

Maggie Manson helped the Fighting Hawks take the lead against the Comets on Wednesday evening. In the second quarter, Manson scored a three to give UND the first lead of the game. The Comets had a three of their own to retake the lead, but Manson was not done. She scored another three to help North Dakota keep the lead and push Mayville State's defense out of place. Manson would continue to help shift the momentum the Fighting Hawks way. In the fourth quarter, the Comets went on a 6-0 run early, but it was Manson who would put UND on the board again with her third three of the night. This jump started an 8-0 run for the Hawks. Manson ended the evening with 11 points and two assists.

SCOUTING DETROIT MERCY

Detroit Mercy enters the game with an 0-9 overall record. They currently sit at 0-4 for conference play as they round out their non conference schedule. The Titans opened their season on the road against Loyola (Ill.) and suffered a 40-63 loss to begin the season. This loss was followed by another road loss to Eastern Michigan, 66-76. The Titans returned home seeking their first win but were unable to beat Robert Morris (46-55) and Youngstown State (56-64) at home. They would return to the road and face two more losses to Canisius (55-64) and Akron (60-67). Their losing streak continued as they returned home to battle IUPUI (52-87), UIC (64-68 in OT), and Western Michigan (51-58).

NEXT UP

Following Saturday afternoon's game, the University of North Dakota returns home before the holiday break to face inner-state rival North Dakota State at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. That will mark the last home game of 2021. The tip-off is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.