Taya Trottier
59
Minot State University MINOT ST 0-1, 0-0
67
Winner Montana State-Northern (MT) MONTANA 1-0, 0-0
Minot State University MINOT ST
0-1, 0-0
59
Final
67
Montana State-Northern (MT) MONTANA
1-0, 0-0
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Minot State University MINOT ST 14 12 19 14 59
Montana State-Northern (MT) MONTANA 19 11 13 24 67

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | | Sierra Woodward

Skylights Surge Late to Defeat Minot State in Exhibition, 67–59

The Montana State University-Northern Skylights closed strong and used a dominant fourth quarter to secure a 67–59 exhibition win over Minot State on Sunday in Havre. In a matchup that featured seven lead changes and long stretches of back-and-forth play, MSU-Northern's depth and execution in the final 10 minutes proved to be the difference.

First Half
The Skylights opened with confidence, shooting well early and taking a 19–14 lead after the first quarter. Minot State answered in the second with improved defensive pressure, holding MSU-Northern to just 11 points in the frame. Still, the Skylights took a narrow advantage into halftime, paced by efficient inside scoring and steady rebounding.

The third quarter belonged to Minot State. Behind the strong play of Maya Aguilar and Jessica Mogen, Minot outscored MSU-Northern 19–13 and briefly swung momentum in their favor. Aguilar was a force offensively, attacking the hoop and keeping the Beavers within striking distance, while Mogen battled on the glass and converted key possessions.

Entering the fourth quarter, the game was tight — but that's where the Skylights took over.

MSU-Northern erupted for 24 fourth-quarter points, their best scoring frame of the afternoon. Defensively, the Skylights tightened up on the perimeter, forcing Minot State into contested looks and limiting them to 14 points in the final period. Superior execution in transition and late-game efficiency allowed the Skylights to pull away and secure the eight-point victory.

MSU-Northern
  • Taya Trottier led the way with 17 points, adding four rebounds and two steals while providing consistent scoring throughout the night.
  • Maddie Williamson delivered a huge spark off the bench with 11 points and nine rebounds in 23 minutes — nearly a double-double.
  • Becky Melcher added 11 points and dished out five assists, directing the offense effectively.
Minot State
  • Maya Aguilar turned in a strong performance with 14 points and six rebounds while playing all 40 minutes.
  • Jessica Mogen was highly effective with 12 points and eight rebounds, helping keep Minot State in the game through the middle quarters.
By the Numbers
  • Rebounding: MSU-Northern 38, Minot State 34
  • Three-Point Shooting: Minot State struggled at 6-for-32 (18.8 percent), while MSU-Northern hit 7-of-26 (26.9 percent).
  • Free Throws: The Skylights were excellent at the stripe, going 12-of-14 (85.7 Percent).
  • Bench Points: MSU-Northern 15, Minot State 8
  • Lead Changes: 7
  • Largest Lead: MSU-Northern by 8
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