Cheeseman ignites Tiger offense against Dakota State

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – After pushing the lead to 12 points in favor of DWU, freshman Kynedi Cheeseman (Alexandria, S.D.) made her presence known after recording 19 points off the bench for No. 3 Dakota Wesleyan University. The Tigers cruised over Dakota State University 83-64 in the first annual South Dakota NAIA Pentagon Classic on Saturday at the Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.

 Later in quarter, Cheeseman hit a long-range 3-pointer, giving the Tigers a 49-37 lead with 1:13 remaining the first half. The Tigers took a 50-42 lead into the locker room, shooting 53 percent from the field. In the final quarter, Cheeseman hit another 3-pointer, giving the Tigers a 71-57 lead. With 1:19 remaining the game, Ashley Bray (Anoka, Minn.) hit a shot from beyond the arc, putting the Trojans away for good.

 The Tigers shot 42 percent from the field, 45 percent from the 3-point line and 77 percent from the free-throw line. DWU outrebounded DSU 43-38, while tallying 41 points off the bench, compared to 32 from the Trojans.

 Ashley Bray recorded 18 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Amber Bray (Anoka, Minn.) added 12 points and six rebounds. Freshman Sarah Carr (Huron, S.D.) pitched in 11 points and six rebounds in 22 minutes of action off the bench. Cheeseman added five rebounds and was 4-of-4 from beyond the arc.

 The Tigers (3-0) square off with Presentation College in the SD NAIA Pentagon Classic at 1 p.m. in the Pentagon in Sioux Falls.