MITCHELL, S.D. – In their first game ranked No. 1 in the NAIA in 2016, the Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team took care of business against the No. 9 Morningside College Mustangs 91-81 Wednesday night at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.
The Tigers (10-0, 4-0 GPAC) started off hot as they shot 57 percent from the field and 60 percent from 3-point range in the first quarter. The hot shooting helped DWU to a 24-18 lead over the Mustangs (6-3, 2-2 GPAC) at the end of the first quarter. The Tigers never let go of the lead in the second quarter as they were led by senior Erica Herrold (Dimock, S.D.) with back-to-back 3-pointers late in the half to give DWU a 37-30 lead, and took a 42-38 lead into the locker room at halftime.
The fourth quarter was owned by freshman Sarah Carr (Huron, S.D.) and junior forward Ashley Bray (Anoka, Minn.) who combined for 14 points and six rebounds. The Tigers shot 80 percent from beyond the arc and 50 percent from the field in the final quarter. The Tigers ran away with the game in the end as they shot a perfect 100 percent from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter.
Carr finished with a double-double scoring 19 points while grabbing 11 rebounds. Bray finished with 19 points and four rebounds, while twin sister Amber Bray (Anoka, Minn.) tallied 13 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Sophomore guard Rylie Osthus (De Smet, S.D.) orchestrated the Tiger offense all night as she finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Herrold added 12 points.
The Tigers hit the road for their next GPAC match-up as they take on ranked foe Concordia University at 2 p.m. Saturday in Seward, Neb.
