STRONG SECOND HALF PUSHES TIGERS PAST BLUE HAWKS IN SEASON OPENER

MITCHELL, S.D. –  The Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team cruised to a 63-38 victory over non-conference foe Dickinson State University on Saturday from the Corn Place in Mitchell, S.D. Behind a strong second half, Dakota Wesleyan limited Dickinson State to just 20 points after the intermission and DWU secured the decisive victory to begin the 2021-22 campaign. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Jada Campbell scored back-to-back buckets for DWU as the Tigers (1-0) built an 8-2 cushion midway through the first quarter. With the early advantage, a layup by Matti Reiner and a pair of free throws by Kaylee Kirk propelled Dakota Wesleyan to the 18-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Dickinson State rattled off three-consecutive points to begin the second quarter, however, layups by Rynn Osthus and Natalie Gottlob pushed the Blue and Gray to a 9-5 run to finish the first half. Dakota Wesleyan held the 31-18 lead at halftime 

The DWU advantage remained steady at 11 points in favor of the Tigers well into the third period before a steal by Kirk, and a layup in transition by Reiner, who led all scorers with 28 points.

Following a timeout by DWU, Dickinson State hit a timely 3-pointer cutting the score to 38-28 with 4:33 remaining in the third quarter. Tiger freshman Lacey Sprakel responded with a steal followed by a momentous 3-pointer by Aspen Hansen in the final seconds of the period. Dakota Wesleyan controlled a 47-37 lead as the game moved into the final 10-minutes of play.

DWU wasted no time taking firm control of the game to start the fourth quarter, scoring 10-unanswered points. A block by Campbell and an ensuing jump shot by Kirk helped swing the momentum.

With the game in control, a late defensive block by Sprakel denied any chance for a comeback by DSU and the Tigers secured the 63-38 win.

Reiner paced DWU in scoring along with six rebounds while Kirk fueled the offensive attack with 10 points, five rebounds and five assists. On the glass, Dakota Wesleyan finished with 41 rebounds while forcing 17 Dickinson State turnovers.

UP NEXT

Dakota Wesleyan continues non-conference action with a neutral-site matchup versus Valley City State University at 6 p.m. next Saturday as part of the NAIA Basketball Classic from the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.