JAMESTOWN, N.D. – Heading to the fourth quarter, the No. 12 Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team trailed No. 6 the University of Jamestown by eight points. But DWU outscored Jamestown 29-10 in the final quarter to complete the comeback and win 86-75 Wednesday in Jamestown, N.D.
The Jimmies (20-3) jumped out to an early 19-8 lead following a made jump shot. But the Tigers (19-4, 10-3 GPAC) answered with six-straight points after Amber Bray (Anoka, Minn.) nailed a 3-pointer and Kynedi Cheeseman (Alexandria, S.D.) made a layup and a free throw.
Leading 22-18 to begin the second quarter, Jamestown put together an 11-4 run. DWU cut the deficit to single digits after Cheeseman drained a three-point shot and Sarah Carr (Huron, S.D.) made a jump shot to make it a 35-27 game. Both offenses found their rhythm near the end of the half as the Jimmies took a 46-36 lead at the break.
In the opening minutes of the third quarter, Jamestown was able to extend their lead to 13 points after making a 3-pointer. The Tigers hung around until they narrowed the deficit to seven points after Ashley Bray (Anoka, Minn.) knocked in two free throws. DWU remained within striking distance thanks to a Carr jump shot at the end of the third quarter.
Amber and Ashley Bray scored the first four points of the final stanza for the Tigers forcing Jamestown to call a timeout. Moments later, Carr tied the game at 68 as she drove to the basket and was fouled, making the layup and free throw. Less than a minute later, Madison Mathews (Draper, S.D.) found nothing but net as she drilled a deep 3-pointer giving the Tigers their first lead of the game. With Jamestown attempting to tie the game, Rylie Osthus (De Smet, S.D.) stole the ball, leading to Cheeseman scoring on the ensuing possession. Cheeseman and Osthus made their free throws down the stretch to solidify the victory.
Cheeseman led the team with 27 points and set a career-high shooting 12-of-13 from the free-throw line. Carr added 13 points and eight rebounds, while Amber Bray chipped in 13 points and five rebounds. Ashley Bray tallied 12 points and five rebounds, as Osthus notched 10 points and four assists. The Tigers shot 46 percent from the field and 30-of-31 from the free-throw line. DWU outscored the bench of Jamestown 34-23 and outrebounded the Jimmies 36-31.
The Tigers return to Great Plains Athletic Conference action against No. 11 Hastings College at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.