ST. PAUL, MN -- (Courtey of NMU Athletics) The Northern Michigan University women’s basketball team used clutch free throw shooting in the overtime period to win its second game in a row at the Radisson Roseville Thanksgiving Basketball Classic. The Wildcats were 14 of 14 at the free throw stripe in the extra period to put the game out of reach and win, 72-68, against tournament host, Concordia University. The win moves NMU to 3-2 on the season and Concordia falls to 0-3.NMU was down four with 2:46 to play before Staci Beckel and Steffani Stoeger made jumpers to tie the score. Both teams had chances to take the lead but neither was able to score in the last minute and a half. Beckel’s jumper missed at the buzzer to send the game to overtime.
Staci Beckel continued her strong play as a Wildcat, scoring 24 points and nine rebounds in 41 minutes. Steffani Stoeger had a big game with 20 points including an eight for eight performance from the charity stripe. Kellie Rietveld was the other Wildcat in double figures with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists in 41 minutes of action. Chelsea Lyons pulled down nine rebounds.
Both teams shot below 40 percent from the field and the three point line. NMU was 94 percent from the free throw line on 17 for 18 shooting. Concordia was 15 for 22 and 68 percent. Concordia outrebounded the ‘Cats 46-43.
NMU will now play Southwest Minnesota State, Saturday afternoon in the early game, starting at 2 p.m. Michigan Tech defeated Southwest Minnesota State in the first game of the afternoon 74-53.
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