JAMESTOWN, N.D. – The University of Jamestown women's basketball team shot better than 50 percent from the field on Friday night, but a decisive third quarter lifted Southwest Minnesota State to an 88-74 victory at Harold Newman Arena.
Four Jimmies scored in double figures, led by Haidyn Crockett's 19 points, but the Mustangs (13-7, 11-4 NSIC) used a balanced attack and hot outside shooting to hand Jamestown (4-15, 2-13 NSIC) the loss.
Jamestown started strong, taking a 21-20 lead after the first quarter behind efficient offense. The teams traded baskets throughout the second period, with SMSU holding a narrow 39-35 advantage heading into the halftime break.
The momentum shifted in the third quarter as the Mustangs erupted for 29 points. SMSU outscored the Jimmies 29-19 in the frame to build a 68-54 lead going into the fourth. Despite scoring 20 points in the final quarter, Jamestown could not cut into the deficit as the teams played to an even 20-20 score in the final 10 minutes.
Crockett finished 8-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. Jessika Lofstrom followed closely with 18 points, knocking down three triples of her own while grabbing five rebounds.
Allie Berns added 11 points and five rebounds, while Samantha Paulsen chipped in 10 points and was a force defensively with four steals and a block. Hali Savela contributed eight points and four rebounds.
Nicole Maenke led Southwest Minnesota State with 20 points, fueled by four three-pointers. The Mustangs had three other players score 16 or more points: Kylan Gerads (19), Natalie Nielsen (19), and Audrey Swanson (16).
The Jimmies shot an impressive 51.8 percent (29-of-56) from the floor and 45.5 percent (10-of-22) from deep. SMSU shot 56.6 percent (30-of-53) overall and made 12 three-pointers.
SMSU capitalized on turnovers, scoring 27 points off Jamestown giveaways compared to 17 points off turnovers for the Jimmies. The Mustangs held a 36-30 edge in points in the paint.
The Jimmies are back in action Saturday afternoon, hosting University of Sioux Falls at 3 p.m.