The Valley City State University women's basketball team opened its season with a 57-54 victory Sunday at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, holding off Brandon University in the final minute.
Viking junior guard Georgia Williams sank a jumper with 51 seconds remaining, breaking a 53-53 tie and giving the Vikings the lead for good en route to the victory.
The Vikings showed some early-season rust at times in the game, but used a 7-1 run at the end of the third quarter to open up a 46-39 lead. Brandon University rallied to tie the game at 53-53 with 2:16 remaining before VCSU scored four of the final five points.
Lexi Lennon had 12 points and six rebounds for VCSU, and Williams finished with 11 points, six rebounds and four steals. Courtney Dixon and Sara Schwanke each added eight points. A trio of true freshmen rounded out the scoring as Kaitlin Connor and Courtney Magnuson each had seven points, and Mackenzie Huber scored four.
Valley City State overcame a poor free-throw shooting performance as the Vikings made just 12 of 27 attempts at the free throw line (44 percent). VCSU shot 35 percent from the field (21-60) and 16 percent from 3-point range (3-19).
Brandon University shot 32 percent overall (19-59), 24 percent on 3's (4-17) and 67 percent on free throws (12-18).
Brandon out-rebounded VCSU, 46-36, which included a 19-13 edge on the offensive glass. Valley City State had nine steals and forced 24 Bobcat turnovers. The Vikings had 11 assists and committed 15 turnovers.
The teams were tied at 13-13 after the first quarter, and VCSU held a 23-21 lead at halftime.
Up next: VCSU (1-0, 0-0 NSAA) opens North Star Athletic Association conference play by hosting Viterbo University for a men's and women's doubleheader on Friday, Oct. 30. Women tip at 5:30 p.m. and the men follow at 7:30 p.m.
