Game Notes: Millsaps College @ North Central College (11/22/14)

Final Score
NCC 117 Millsaps 115 (2OT)


Game Summary
The Majors (1-2) came out running and got out to an early lead. The Cardinals (2-0) were able to keep within shouting distance for most of the first half, closing it to a one possession game multiple times, but couldn't get over the hump, trailing 52-44 at the break. NCC came out firing, but wasn't able to tie until at 78 all with about five minutes left, then again at 88 with about 90 seconds to go. Maryssa Cladis hit a layup with 16 ticks left, and the Cardinals just missed a game winning three at the buzzer. The teams were balanced throughout overtime, neither team building a commanding lead. NCC had a chance to win but couldn't get a bucket, forcing double overtime. It was tight in double overtime too, but NCC hit enough free throw and overcame enough bad calls to escape with a win.

Key Stats

• Tess Godhardt (NCC): 12-19 FG (1-4 3PT), 15-20 FT; 40 pts, 14 reb (10 off) 3 stl. Tess owned the offensive paint tonight and hit the key free throws to really put the game away. Her 40 points are a school record for a single game.
• Jamie Cuny (NCC): 1-7 FG (all 3PT), 1-2 FT; 4 pts, 13 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 8 blk. Jamie didn't have a great offensive game, but was key to the comeback win on the defensive end. She played the end of regulation and most of the extra time before fouling out late in the second one. Fun note: coming into tonight, the NCC record for blocks in a game is eight... the team record. Cuny got there by herself.
• Samantha Perez (MIL): 5-13 FG, 4-6 FT; 14 pts, 10 reb, 14 ast. Perez was one of the best players all tournament long, and picking up a triple double is a big deal (it doesn't happen often).

North Central System Watch

• Millsaps Turnovers: 31. This seemed lower, but Bluffton did throw it away a ton. The Cardinals picked up a pair of inbounding five second calls late to help this figure. NCC did manage 13 steals, led by Hodhardt's three. 
• NCC 3PT: 13-72 (18.1%). Ick. Most of the looks so far this year have been open, but they aren't falling. Some of them are rushed as well, which doesn't help. This number will go up, I'm sure, but that's a lot of shots. 72 is an NCAA record.
• NCC Charges Drawn: 1. Therese Pettersson drew another, giving her three in two games. Millsaps drew I don't know how many in response. It was ridiculous.

Early Game Notes
St. Mary's 79, Trinity International 36. The Belles bounced back well after last night's loss. Ariana Paul had another double-double (12 points and 11 rebounds) while Gabby Diamond got the start and led her team with 13 points. Arielle Miree led the Trojans with 16 points, including 9-14 from the stripe.

Tournament Awards
All-Tournament Team
Arielle Miree (TIU)

Ariana Paul (SMC)

Miah Brooks (MIL)

Samantha Perez (MIL)

Jamie Cuny (NCC)

Tournament MVP
Tess Godhardt (NCC)

Final Thoughts
First thought: the officiating was not good. Like, really bad. There were a ton of missed calls , but they were missed both ways. NCC was able to step up late to force overtime. That ending... Man. It was a great win, and it was awesome to see the celebration that ensued. NCC comes back home next Saturday to face Wisconsin-Eau Claire.