SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team completed the sweep of the 2021 NAIA Basketball Classic racing past in-state rival Presentation College by a score of 72-42 on Sunday from the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. Powered by a 24-5 spurge in the second quarter and four-different players in double figures, Dakota Wesleyan won its third-consecutive game to open the 2021-22 campaign.
HOW IT HAPPENED
DWU faced a slight deficit in the first quarter despite a basket by senior Natalie Gottlob, as Presentation led 8-5 in the early going.
The Tigers (3-0) rattled off eight consecutive points, though to force a timeout by PC with under two minutes to play in the first frame. Kaylee Kirk, who finished with 11 points, converted a field goal followed by consecutive baskets by Britney Lovre and Jada Campbell. At the conclusion of the first quarter, DWU held the narrow 15-11 lead.
Out of the gate, the Blue and Gray scored eight-unanswered to start the second period and enjoyed a 32-14 advantage midway through the quarter. Offensively, DWU shot 60% from the floor in the frame and outrebounded the Saints (1-5), 13-4.
Lacey Sprakel,a native of Crofton, Neb.,helped push the Tiger momentum with a finish off an assist from Rynn Osthus followed by a jumper from Matti Reiner. Thanks to the offensive momentum, DWU also clamped down defensively down the stretch limiting PC to just five points in the frame. Dakota Wesleyan garnered a considerable 39-16 halftime lead as Sprakel led the Tigers with eight points at the intermission.
A block and ensuing defensive rebounds by Campbell helped DWU to the first four points of the third quarter, though, Presentation tried to chip away at the Tiger lead. The Saints strung together a five-point swing off a steal and made 3-pointer to bring the score to 43-26 midway through the third quarter; yet DWU fastened down defensively once again. Late steals by both Kirk and Aspen Hansen halted the PC momentum while propelling the Tigers to the 49-30 lead at the conclusion of the third period.
Dakota Wesleyan responded in the fourth quarter outscoring its in-state rivals with ease, 23-12. Freshman Morgan Edelman converted off a steal followed by a basket from 5-foot-10 junior forward Reiner, who finished with 10 points and a pair of steals. Ultimately winning the turnover battle 25-7, DWU secured the decisive 72-42 victory over Presentation College.
The Tigers shot 46.9% from the floor as Campbell led all players with 14 points along with six rebounds and two blocks. Kirk chipped in a game-high nine assists while Dakota Wesleyan dished out 22 assists while securing 17 steals.
UP NEXT
Dakota Wesleyan gears up for a momentous early-season battle against conference foe No. 6 Morningside University in Great Plains Athletic Conference action at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Sioux City, Iowa.