Strong start not enough as DWU falls to top-ranked Bulldogs

SEWARD, Neb. – Despite an extremely strong start to the game, the No. 13 Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team fell to No.1 Concordia University, 100-72 Saturday in a Great Plains Athletic Conference road matchup on Saturday in Seward, Neb.

 The Tigers (8-3, 3-3 GPAC) stormed out to a 16-5 lead out of the gate, paced by Makaela Karst (Plankinton, S.D.) who recorded three blocks and eight points in the first frame. Kaylee Kirk (Balaton, Minn.) chipped in seven points as well, to help extend the DWU lead to 27-12 to close out the opening quarter.

 Kynedi Cheeseman (Alexandria, S.D.) began the scoring in the second quarter with a two-point bucket, which was answered with a pair of Concordia free throws. The Bulldogs (9-0, 5-0 GPAC) connected on back-to-back 3-pointers to bring the score to 31-21 at the seven minute mark of the second frame.

 Concordia cut their deficit to four points at the 2:45 mark thanks to an 8-2 run. However, the Tigers responded with consecutive field goals to push their lead to 39-31 with just under two minutes to go in the half.

 Following a 10-0 run, the Bulldogs took their first lead of the game, 41-40. However, Cheeseman buried a 3-pointer to close out the half, giving the Tigers a 43-42 lead at the break.

 Concordia opened the scoring in the second half, converting on both shots at the charity stripe. Jessica Mieras (Sioux Falls, S.D.) converted on a two point field goal to give the Tigers a one point lead two minutes into the second half.

 The Bulldogs responded with five straight points, thanks to a 3-pointer and a layup. Cheeseman answered with a basket of her own, but on the next possession Concordia converted on another 3-point attempt, pushing their lead to 52-47.

 Karst converted on a layup to cut the deficit to three points with five minutes left to go in the third stanza. Concordia responded with a 10-0 run in just two minutes to race out to a 64-51 lead, before Matti Reiner (Tripp, S.D.) halted the run with a two point basket.

 Mieras converted on two straight field goals to pull the Tigers within eleven points at the 1:18 minute of the third frame, 68-57. Concordia converted on three of four field goals in the final minute, as well as converting on a two point basket with 13 seconds left in the quarter to push the lead to 73-59. Mieras converted on two free throws to end the third frame, cutting the deficit to 14 points.

 Concordia began the final frame with a 9-0 run, extending its' lead to 23 points with seven minutes left to play. The Bulldogs continued to find their way to the basket in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 100-72 final score.

 Cheeseman lead the way for the Tigers offensively, scoring 17 points and recording six rebounds. Reiner added 15 points on 50% shooting, while Karst chipped in 13 points, three blocks, and six rebounds. DWU shot 48.2% from the field and 40% from 3-point range.

 The Tigers travel to Madison, S.D., for a matchup with in-state foe Dakota State University at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.