Omaha, Nebraska — Dordt University extended its season-long win streak to eight games as the Defenders picked up a 68-63 overtime win over College of Saint Mary Wednesday in Omaha, Neb.
The Defenders move into a tie for fifth place in the current GPAC standings, along with Briar Cliff, both with 8-5 records. Dordt is 15-6 overall.
Karly Gustafson led Dordt with 19 points and 12 rebounds, registering her fourth double-double of the season, and put her team in front for good on a lay-up with with 1:51 left in the overtime period. The 19 points from Gustafson matched her season high and was her fourth straight game in double figures.
Bailey Beckman netted 17 points and Ashtyn Veerbeek marked up the stat sheet with 13 points, seven boards, three assists and five blocked shots.
Leading by eight (44-36) heading into the final quarter, Dordt was outscored 17-9 over the final 10 minutes as the host Flames forced overtime, 53-53. Both teams missed on chances to win it in regulation during the final 15 seconds.
Gustafson scored the first four points of the extra period only to have Flames guard Alyssa Marsh-Contreras counter with five straight points to put the hosts up by one, 58-57, with 2:21 left.
Following a Veerbeek blocked shot, Gustafson put the Defenders up for good with a run-out lay-up and Hayden Heimensen connected on a three-pointer after a Flames turnover en route to a decisive 7-0 run. Both Veerbeek and Beckman converted their free throws down the stretch to put the game away.
Both teams struggled on the offensive end, shooting 33% for the game and 31% from beyond the arc. Dordt held the edge at the free throw line (16/20 compared to 10/17 by Flames) and on the boards (49-42).
Dordt led 14-12 after the first quarter before College of Saint Mary went on an 8-2 run midway into the second period to take its largest lead, 24-19. The Defenders, however, closed the half with a 10-1 run, getting baskets by four different players, for a 32-25 lead.
Marsh-Contreras poured in a game-high 24 points while Sidney Anderson added 11 points to go with 13 rebounds.
NEXT UP
Dordt will host Midland on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 2pm.
