MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team had its 10-game win streak snapped Friday, but rebounded to get back in the win column with a victory over rival Dakota State University Saturday at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.
All five starters for No. 5 DWU finished in double-digit scoring in a 90-78 win over the Trojans, the second win over the instate foe for the Tigers this season. The win moves DWU to 15-2 overall, giving the Tigers more wins in 2015-16 than all of last season with 13 games left on the regular season schedule.
The Tigers started four forwards 6-foot and above and it paid off early, with DWU pulling down 20 rebounds and 10 on the offensive glass in the first quarter alone. DWU led by seven after the first 10 minutes. Both teams were on fire in the second quarter, with DWU shooting near 70 percent in the frame to go into the locker room up 45-33.
The inside was controlled on the offensive end by junior forward Erica Herrold in the first half. She was 7-of-7 from the floor and scored 17 points before the break.
The Trojans tried to chip away in the second half, but DWU held on to a double-digit lead for most of the final 20 minutes. Junior forward Kristin Sabers (Mitchell, S.D.) took over in the third with 11 points to help DWU pull away for good.
Herrold finished with a game-high 25 points, while reigning Great Plans Athletic Conference Player of the Week Sabers added 21. Sophomore forward Ashley Bray (Anoka, Minn.) reentered the starting lineup and made the most of her opportunity with 19 points and five rebounds.
Freshman point guard Rylie Osthus (De Smet, S.D.) had a strong all-around game with 11 points and six assists, while sophomore forward Amber Bray (Anoka, Minn.) made her presence known in the paint with 11 points and eight rebounds.
The Tigers shot 31-of-58 from the field and 7-of-15 from deep. DWU won the rebounding battle 35-25.
The Trojans got a team-high 24 points from Courtney Hudson, while BreeAna Olson added 17 points and five rebounds. DSU shot 28-of-59 from the field and 7-of-18 from behind the arc.
The Tigers return to GPAC play for a Titanic matchup with No. 2 Morningside College at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Corn Palace.
