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CITY (VCSUVikings.com)- The Valley City State women’s basketball team pulled away from Presentation College in the second half Wednesday, securing a spot in the NSAA semifinals with a 75-57 victory.
Leading 45-39 with two minutes left in the third quarter, the Vikings outscored the Saints 14-2 over the next 3:30 to build a 59-41 lead and put the game out of reach. The Vikings led by just two at halftime, 32-30, before outscoring the Saints 43-27 in the second half to win the North Star Athletic Association quarterfinal game.
Valley City State moves on to the semifinal round and will play at Dickinson State, Friday at 7 p.m. MT/8 p.m. CT. The teams also matched up in last year’s semifinals, which Dickinson won 83-56.
VCSU, which is ranked No. 26 in the latest poll, improves its record to 23-7. The Vikings are on the bubble to receive an at-large bid to the NAIA National Tournament – should they fail to win the NSAA Tournament and the conference’s automatic bid. Presentation College ends its season with an 8-21 overall record.
Georgia Williams poured in 19 points for the Vikings Wednesday night, leading three scorers in double figures. Lexi Lennon added 17 points and five rebounds, and Nisja Bass finished with 12 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Sydney Larson had a big game for Presentation, shooting 7-for-11 and finishing with 18 points and five rebounds. Cora Lopez added nine points and five rebounds. The Saints were hampered by poor 3-point shooting, finishing 3-for-14 from beyond the arc (21 percent).
The Saints shot 42 percent from the field (20-48) and 74 percent at the line (14-19).
VCSU finished at 43 percent from the field (26-60), 33 percent on 3’s (8-24) and 83 percent at the line (15-18). Valley City State held a 31-28 advantage on the glass, including a 9-5 edge in offensive rebounds.
Up next: Valley City State (23-7) plays in the tournament semifinals at Dickinson State on Friday. Game time is set for 7 p.m. MT/8 p.m. CT.