by TULSA, Okla. – Faith Ihim hit a running layup with 15 seconds for the Oral Roberts women’s basketball as they held off a final shot from North Dakota State to escape with a 59-58 victory Thursday night.
The Golden Eagles saw a 13 point lead disappear late in the fourth quarter but only officially trailed the Bison for less than 15 seconds. The defensive minded Golden Eagles held NDSU from a shot attempt in the final 12 seconds, twice knocking the ball away to hold on to The Summit League win and snap a two-game skid.
Ihim finished with eight points including the eventual game-winner and also added 11 rebounds. Jordan Doyle finished with 12 points as Kaylan Mayberry and Blair Bryce added 11 points each to lead ORU offensively. Ashley Beatty (Caddo/Lakota/Gros Ventre) added 7 points for the Golden Eagles
The Bison were led by Taylor Thunstedt who finished with a game-high 14 points. Marena Whittle added 11 points and nine rebounds for NDSU in the loss.
TURNING POINT
Faith Ihim took a Jordan Doyle pass and drove the right side of the lane to hit a running layup with 15 seconds left in the game. Ihim’s layup put ORU on top 59-58 as the Golden Eagles finished off a defensive stand in the final 13 seconds to help preserve the victory.
THE LEADERS
Oral Roberts: Jordan Doyle scored 12 points as Blair Bryce added 11 points and nine rebounds.
NDSU: Taylor Thunstedt scored 14 points and added three steals and three assists.
– After shooting 37 percent in the first half, both teams shot above 40 percent in the second half.
– ORU won the rebounding battle (37-35) for a fourth straight game.
– ORU turned the ball over just four times in the first half while finishing with 13 in the game.
– Three Golden Eagles scored in double figures for the first time since Jan. 23 against Denver.
– ORU has held opponents below 60 points seven times this season going 6-1 in those games.
– The Golden Eagles sweep the season series with the Bison and have now won four straight against NDSU.
UP NEXT
The Golden Eagles start a four-game road trip Sunday as they head west to face Denver. Tipoff from Denver is scheduled for 2 p.m. (CST).
