Story of the Game:
The MSU-Northern Skylights played on Thursday against No. 10 Vanguard University in Havre, Mont. at 6 p.m. The Skylights won holding Vanguard to 56 points, as Northern scored 68. Vanguard had a great start outscoring the Skylights 9-2. At the end of the first quarter, Northern was down 13-17. McKenzie Gunter made two free throws to take the lead for the first time in the game at 4:54 of the second quarter. Northern was up at half time 26-22.
 
The Skylights came out of half time ready to play, as they scored the first seven points increasing the lead by nine. Northern extended the lead to 15 points 4:16 left to play in the third quarter. By the end of the third, Vanguard cut it down to 12 points (47-35). In the fourth quarter, the Skylights were able to knock down free throws to keep a comfortable lead.
 
"I'm really proud of the way our kids defended tonight.  Vanguard is an elite program and have been for so many years, so this win means a lot" Coach Mouat said.  "We did what we needed to offensively and got contributions from a lot of kids tonight.  We battled on the boards, but they really hurt us on the offensive boards, so that's a huge concern coming out of tonight.  Overall, I'm just really pleased with the way that our kids responded to what was a very tough night in Missoula.  We don't have much time to enjoy it, because a talented team from Dickinson comes in tomorrow and I really like what I've seen from them."
 
Individual Stats:
There were three Skylights in double figures on the night. The Skylights were led by McKenzie Gunter, who had 23 points going 7-11 from the field and 8-8 from the free throw line. She also added six assists. Peyton Kehr had 14 points going 3-6 from the three-point line. Hailey Nicholson added 10 points and four assists.
 
The Lions were led by Tristen Rollon, who had 15 points on the night. Victoria Chea had 14 points going 6-14 from the field. Estefania Giner added 13 points and eight rebounds (6 offensive).
 
Stats of the Game:
The MSU-Northern Skylights shot a field goal percentage of 48, 30.8 percent from the arc, and 72 percent from the free throw line. The skylights beat Vanguard on the boards by one (35-34).
 
The Lions shot 30 percentage from the field, 11.1 percent from the 3-point line, and 78.6 percent from the free throw. Vanguard grabbed 34 rebounds, 17 of those were offensive.
 
The Skylights so Far:
The Skylights move to 2-0 in the overall season.
 
Up Next:
Northern will play tomorrow against Dickinson State University at 6 p.m.