This story, photo courtesy of Michigan Tech Athletics
HOUGHTON, Mich. –Sophomore guard Ella Mason erupted for a career-high 22 points in a vital overtime win against Minnesota Duluth, 79-69 in the home-opener at the SDC Gymnasium on Thursday evening.
Mason, a native of Negaunee, led all scorers, shooting 10-of-17 from the field as Alyssa Wypych was close behind with 20 points, half coming from the free throw line, while adding eight rebounds.
Sophomore guard Kendall Standfest recorded her first double-double of the season with 13 points and a team-high 10 boards. Senior point guard Soraya Timms, in her first game at the SDC Gymnasium since Feb. 18, 2023, had 12 points, four rebounds and two steals.
Michigan Tech moves to 3-0 on the season as Minnesota Duluth drops to 1-2.
"It means everything to win in front of our home fans and show them what we're capable of," said Tech head coach Sam Clayton. "Our players came up with big plays late—so many things that I'm super proud of and grateful to come away with a win against a really good Duluth team."
Michigan Tech held momentum in the opening half, causing turnovers and drawing fouls to find success. The Huskies forced 12 turnovers and got into the bonus with minutes to play in the first quarter. Mason hit the go-ahead jumper from the elbow to take a 16-14 lead after 10 minutes.
Mason and Wypych each recorded eight points heading into halftime, with a layup by Dani Nuest making it 30-27 after the Bulldogs connected on four of their 13 total 3-pointers.
Minnesota Duluth would continue to use the 3-point shot to get back into the contest in the second half. Both teams shot over 50 percent from the field in the third quarter and the Huskies jumped out to their largest lead of the game off a jumper by Mason at the 5:05 mark, making it 43-35.
However, the Bulldogs ultimately outscored the Black & Gold 19-16 in the quarter, tying the game at 46-all heading into the final period of regulation.
Minnesota Duluth hit three more triples in the fourth quarter, which saw three lead changes and a tie. The Huskies were in trouble down three with 41 seconds to go before Wypych hit two timely free-throws and Mason drew a shooting foul, being injured on the play, showing Kaitlyn Maxwell come off the bench to hit one-of-two to send the game to OT at 61-all.
From there, it was all Michigan Tech as the Huskies saw five-straight points from Wypych off two free throws and then a 3-pointer to jump ahead 66-61 in 2:16 before going on a seven-point run as a team to ultimately decide the contest 79-69.
"Starting the year off strong is what you dream of," said Wypych "We knew we had to come out strong in overtime and if we did that, there was no stopping us."
Grace Counts led a trio of Bulldogs with 18 points as eight players accounted for three rebounds.
