MSU Moorhead outscored Wayne State 24-13 in the fourth quarter to break open a close game as the Dragons topped the Wildcats 64-49 in a Northern Sun Conference women's basketball game Saturday evening at Rice Auditorium in Wayne.  WSC slips to 4-8 and 1-8 in the NSIC while MSUM is 5-8 overall and 5-3 in league games.
            Both teams struggled scoring the first quarter, ending in a 8-8 tie as WSC made just 3 of 17 shots from the field to start the game.
            The second quarter featured seven ties and one lead change as MSU Moorhead outscored the 'Cats 19-14 to take a 27-22 lead.
            The Dragons were in front 14-8, but WSC battled back and scored seven straight points to take a 15-14 lead following a pair of Carsyn Boswell free throws.
            WSC still led 21-20 at the 1:47 mark on a Rachel Dahlen basket, but the Dragons closed the final 1:47 scoring seven of the last eight points for a 27-22 halftime lead.
            The Dragons led all but 24 seconds of the third quarter as MSUM finished with a 40-36 lead after three quarters.
            The biggest lead for MSUM was three until two free throws from Meg Rietz and a jumper by Jordon Heckert put the 'Cats ahead 34-33 until the Dragons closed the third quarter strong for a 40-36 lead.
            A Tate Norblade layup and 3-pointer from Boswell to open the fourth quarter gave WSC a 41-40 lead.
            But MSU Moorhead went on a 13-0 run over the next 3:30 to take the lead for good at 53-40 and ended the quarter making 6 of 11 shots from the field and 9 of 12 free throws to outscore WSC 24-13 in the quarter for a 64-49 win.
            Britney Ho had 14 points followed by Boswell with 10 for Wayne State.
            WSC made 16 of 50 shots for 32 percent.  The 'Cats were 4 of 19 from the 3-point line and 13 for 20 at the charity stripe.
            Abby Berge and Ashley Fritz scored 14 points each to lead MSU Moorhead with Maya Metcalf adding 11.
            The Dragons shot 43.5 percent for the game making 20 of 46 shots.  MSUM was 7 for 17 from the 3-point line and 17 of 20 at the free throw line.
            MSU Moorhead won the rebounding battle 36-29 over WSC.  Ho hauled in five boards to lead the 'Cats.  Maya Fitzpatrick had a team-high four assists with five steals and two blocked shots.
            The Wildcats will be on the road next weekend visiting Northern State Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and the University of Mary Saturday at 5:30 p.m.