No. 9 Tigers topple No. 13 Olivet Nazarene in Holiday Classic

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The No. 9 Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team dominated No. 13 Olivet Nazarene University thanks to a stifling defense and a hot offensive performance leading to a 109-75 victory Friday at the Fultz Memorial ACU Holiday Classic in Phoenix, Ariz.

 It was a slow start to the game for both teams as the Tigers (13-2, 5-2 GPAC) led 6-4 after five minutes of play, but it was Ashley Bray (Anoka, Minn.) that began the second quarter with a three-point shot that tied the game. Moments later Rylie Osthus (De Smet, S.D.) nailed a jumper to give the Tigers their first lead of the second quarter.

 The Tigers continued the strong performance as they outscored Olivet Nazarene 35-16 in the second quarter, as they took a 47-31 lead heading into halftime.

 Ashley Bray began the second half just as she began the second quarter, with a 3-pointer to give DWU a 50-32 lead.

 Both teams traded baskets for most of the third quarter until Jessica Mieras (Sioux Falls, S.D.) nailed a jumper followed by an Amber Bray (Anoka, Minn.) layup to give DWU a 25-point lead.

 The Tigers jumped out to a 92-56 lead thanks to a 16-4 run in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. DWU broke the century-mark after a Mieras layup with four minutes left, on their way to victory.

 Ashley Bray led the way with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Amber Bray added 19 points. Osthus tallied a double-double with 12 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, as Sarah Carr (Huron, S.D.) notched 14 points and five rebounds. Kynedi Cheeseman (Alexandria, S.D.) pitched in 10 points and five assists, while Mieras added 10 points and six boards.

 The Tigers shot 57 percent from the field, while holding Olivet Nazarene to 35 percent shooting. DWU also grabbed 51 rebounds and recorded 27 assists, as they scored 74 points in the paint.

 The Tigers return to action as they take on (RV) Taylor University (Ind.) at 1 p.m. Saturday in Phoenix, Ariz.