.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
Purdue Fort Wayne
North Dakota State
Second Half Shooting Sparks Comeback
2/8/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 8, 2007
Fort Wayne, IN-IPFW used one of their best shooting halves of the season to overcome a 12 point half-time deficit and top North Dakota State, 72-69 on Thursday night at the Memorial Coliseum.
Trailing 39-27 at intermission, IPFW began the long trek back with a triple from junior forward DeWitt Scott, at the 17:41 mark, that cut the Bison lead to 39-32.
NDSU sophomore guard Mike Nelson added a pair of slashing lay-ups that pushed the Bison lead back to double-digits, a lead that they eventually kept around the seven-point mark for most of the second half.
IPFW began to make their final push of the contest on a tip-in by junior guard Demetrius Johnson that cut the Bison lead to 68-65, with just 2:45 remaining.
Scott tied it just a few seconds later with a 3-pointer from the top of the key.
After a pair of free throws by sophomore guard Jakari Johnson, the 'Dons had their first lead since the 17:01 mark of the first half, 70-69.
IPFW forced two turnovers on the next two Bison trips down the floor, the biggest was a charge on NDSU sophomore guard Ben Woodside. Woodside slashed to the hoop, but Scott was able to get position in the paint.
North Dakota State fouled immediately on the inbounds, sending Scott to the line for a pair of free throws, which he hit.
The Bison had one final chance to tie, but Nelson's 3-pointer at the buzzer was blocked by Demetrius Johnson.
IPFW (8-15) shot 63.6% while making the second half run. They finished shooting 54.5% for the game.
Scott was the top scorer for the 'Dons with 15 points.
Four other 'Dons scored in double figures. Junior forward Jaraun Burrows had 13 points, senior forward Tyler Best chipped in 12, junior guard Chris Perkins had 11, and Demetrius Johnson added 10.
North Dakota State (14-7) registered four players in double digits, with Nelson's 23 leading all scorers.
IPFW out rebounded NDSU 29-22.
IPFW is now 2-2 against fellow independents on the year. Like North Dakota State, IPFW will face another future Mid-Con opponents, South Dakota State, on Saturday night at 7:00pm.
Note: The South Dakota State game will be played at the Hilliard Gates Sports Center.
~Dons~
