No. 1 Tigers topple (RV) Warriors

Mitchell, S.D.- A balanced scoring attack pushed the No.1 Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team to a 98-78 victory over (RV) Midland University in a Great Plains Athletic Conference matchup Sunday at the Corn Palace in Mitchell.

 The Tigers (19-1 12-1 GPAC) wasted no time offensively, getting a 3-point basket from Sarah Carr (Huron, S.D.) to open the scoring. After both teams traded baskets, the Tigers began a 14-2 run highlighted by 3-point baskets from Makaela Karst (Plankinton, S.D.) and Kynedi Cheeseman (Alexandria, S.D.) as DWU maintained a 19-7 lead.

 After Midland (11-8, 6-7 GPAC) scored on back-to-back possessions, Rylie Osthus (DeSmet, S.D.) connected on a layup to put the Tigers ahead, 30-15 at the end of the first quarter.

 Early in the second period, DWU received back-to-back 3-pointers from Karst and Madison Mathews (Draper, S.D.) to push the lead to 36-15. Moments later, the Tigers continued the offensive pressure as Sydney Halling (Harrisburg, S.D.) got an easy layup and a foul to put her at the free-throw line. After the made free throw, DWU held a 21-point lead.

 The Warriors answered with two quick buckets, but it was DWU who controlled the first half as both teams headed to the locker room with a score of 52-29 in favor of the Tigers.

 DWU once again held an advantage in the opening minutes of the third quarter, as Cheeseman drilled a 3-pointer, followed by a layup from Mathews to extend the Tiger lead. Midland went on a quick 5-0 run late in the third quarter, but it was Kaylee Kirk (Balaton, Minn.) who tallied a jump shot at the buzzer to help regain the momentum into the fourth quarter.

 DWU continued to control the game in the fourth quarter, as the Tigers shot 54.2 percent from the field including 11-of-24 from the 3-point line to help push DWU to victory.

 The Tigers had five players reach double-figures as Carr collected 23 points and six rebounds, while Cheeseman netted 21 points and eight rebounds. Karst added 15 points, as Mathews finished with 12 points. Halling poured in 12 points off the bench, while Osthus chipped in seven points and 10 assists. DWU only committed four turnovers in the victory.

 The Tigers return to the court for a showdown with No. 3 Northwestern College at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Orange City, Iowa.