Marshall, Minn. – The Maryville women's basketball team recorded the largest comeback in program history as it rallied from a 21-point deficit to beat Minot State 70-66. The Saints were down 45-24 with 8:10 left in the third quarter but came all the way back for the victory. The margin surpasses the 18-point deficit the Saints overcame at Missouri-St. Louis Jan. 2, 2020. Maryville shot 80 percent in the fourth quarter, while limiting Minot State to just 7-of-27 shooting (25.9 percent) in the second half to spark the rally.
 
What Happened:
Maryville found itself trailing 40-24 at halftime and the margin grew to 21 two minutes into the third quarter. Hunter Stidham hit a 3-pointer, and Antoinette Mussorici sank two free throws to start the long comeback. Minot State still held a 47-29 lead before the Saints tallied 10 straight points. Maddy Meehan scored in the paint, and Stidham splashed in a 3-pointer. Meehan made another layup, and Olivia Kastens' 3-pointer brought the Saints to 47-38 with 2:33 left in the third. Minot State made one free throw to end the Maryville run, but Stidham sank a jumper as the Saints drew to within 48-41 after three.
 
The Saints scored the first six points of the fourth quarter as Stidham converted two free throws, and Meehan scored back-to-back buckets as the gap was 48-47. Minot State made a 3-pointer but Mussorici answered with a trey and her layup completed the comeback for a 52-51 lead with 6:10 remaining. The Saints pushed their advantage to 60-54 until Minot State got to within two. Stidham completed a three-point play, and Mussorici's layup pushed the cushion to 65-58 with 2:08 left. MSU made one more run and closed to 65-63 in the final minute but Mussorici sank four straight free throws for a 69-63 lead. Minot State sank a 3-pointer and forced a Maryville turnover. Minot State took a shot with nine seconds left but Meehan blocked the shot, and one Mussorici free throw sealed the mammoth comeback.
 
Statistical Leaders:
Points: Antoinette Mussorici - 21
Rebounds: Hunter Stidham - 5
Assists: Olivia Kastens, Rylee Mulvaney, Antoinette Mussorici - 2
3-Pointers: Olivia Kastens and Hunter Stidham - 3
Steals: Antoinette Mussorici - 3
Blocked Shots: Olivia Kastens and Maddy Meehan - 1
 
Records:
Maryville: 2-2
Minot State: 2-5
 
What's Next?
The Saints host their first home game of the season when Harris-Stowe visits Moloney Arena for a 1 p.m. game Tuesday, Nov. 23.