LARAMIE — The Wyoming Cowgirls closed their exhibition schedule with a 65-60 overtime victory over South Dakota Mines on Friday night in Laramie, outscoring the Hardrockers by 16 points over the final 15 minutes.
Wyoming overcame a slow start and a late South Dakota Mines push to secure the win in its final tuneup before Monday’s regular-season opener against Santa Clara.
Norah Clark scored Wyoming’s first points, while a Taylor Donaldson putback gave the Cowgirls their first lead. Wyoming led 9-5 at the first media timeout, but South Dakota Mines responded and held the advantage after the first quarter.
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Turnovers slowed Wyoming in the second quarter, and the Cowgirls struggled to convert open looks. South Dakota Mines maintained its offensive efficiency and carried the lead into halftime.
Wyoming came out aggressively in the second half, but inconsistent free-throw shooting allowed the Hardrockers to maintain their advantage. The Cowgirls closed the third quarter with several defensive stops and baskets to stay within reach.
Kati Ollilainen helped spark Wyoming in the fourth quarter, while three layups from Donaldson kept the offense moving. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, and Wyoming called a timeout with 2:14 remaining and the score tied at 55. Neither team could break the tie, sending the game to overtime.
Ollilainen opened the extra period with a driving layup, followed by baskets from Jersey Berg. Ophelia Powell added two free throws as Wyoming made the necessary defensive stops to secure the victory.
Donaldson and Ollilainen led Wyoming in scoring, both finishing in double figures. Ollilainen finished one rebound short of a double-double, while Liv Blomkvist led the Cowgirls in rebounding. Berg and Clark paced Wyoming with assists as the team finished with 16.
Wyoming outscored South Dakota Mines by eight points in the paint and received 23 points from its bench. The Cowgirls held the Hardrockers to 36% shooting from the field and 7-for-26 from 3-point range while attempting 23 free throws.
Wyoming opens the regular season Monday against Santa Clara. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Laramie.
