Mitchell, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan women's basketball team earned the must win victory over (RV) Concordia 61-54 to lock up a top-4 finish in the GPAC and hosting in the first round of the GPAC tournament. Jada Campbell stepped up in a big way for her team on senior day pouring in 22 points and 10 rebounds to record her 11th career double-double. Matti Reiner had a big day as well recording 15 points and two blocks/steals. Dakota Wesleyan improves to 21-7 (15-7 GPAC) while Concordia drops to 18-10 (14-8 GPAC).
Highlighted Player– Jada Campbell 22 points 10 rebounds
Stat Leaders:
Points – Jada Campbell (22)
Assists – Three players (3)
Rebounds – Jada Campbell (10)
Blocks – Matti Reiner (2)
Steals –Three players (2)
Recap –
Both teams knew the assignment and knew what was on the line with the first quarter being a very fast paced, high tempo and physical quarter. Dakota Wesleyan got up early in the quarter 8-2 and never really looked back winning the quarter 21-14. Concordia started with a press and man to man defense but quickly back pedaled from that switching to a zone defense due to the fast paced Tiger offense that was ready and able for the Bulldog defense. DWU on the defensive end made every shot difficult on the CUN shooters, contesting every shot and forcing Concordia turnovers. Christensen was subbing frequently trying to keep fresh legs on the court to beat the Concordia press and tight defense. Campbell dominated the quarter for the Tigers scoring eight points. The quarter ended with a bang when Reiner drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer making it 21-14 heading to the second quarter.
Dakota Wesleyan kept the pedal down on the defensive end of the floor in the second quarter, only allowing eight Bulldog points. DWU held CUN to just 28.6% shooting from the floor in the half while also forcing eight total turnovers. Concordia stayed in the zone throughout the second quarter which the Tigers had a little more of a struggle with only scoring 11 points in the quarter. DWU won the quarter 11-8 and had a 32-22 lead going to half. Campbell led with 12 points during the half while Reiner had seven points. Edelman also had a big half scoring six points and grabbing eight rebounds to lead the Tigers and showing why she is one of the best rebounding guards in the GPAC.
Third quarter was a different story with the Bulldogs winning the quarter 18-11. Concordia started out in man on defense but switched gears and went back to their zone defense that the Tigers just couldn't seem to find a rhythm only scoring 11 points in the quarter again. Reiner led the Tigers in the quarter scoring four points. Dakota Wesleyan had some good looks on offense but couldn't get anything to fall throughout the quarter. The Tigers really struggled getting the deep range shots to fall with the Bulldogs zone allowing a lot of space and open looks from deep, trying to shut down the inside game and this gamble paid off for them. DWU headed to the final quarter with a slim 43-40 lead.
The first two minutes of the fourth quarter had the Tigers jump out to an eight point lead. Ihnen got it going with a shot from deep followed by buckets from the seniors, Campbell and Reiner. In the next four minutes Concordia went on their biggest run of the game and even grabbed their first lead overtaking the Tigers 53-52 with four minutes left. Campbell and Reiner put the team on their back scoring the next 8 of 9 points. DWU clamped down on defense not allowing a field goal in the closing four minutes and only one made field goal for a 61-54 win over (RV) Concordia. Campbell dominated all game inside with her 22 points and 10 rebounds to complete her 11th double-double of her career.
Head-to-Head (Concordia)
- DWU is now 17-39 all-time against CUNE with today's win.
- The Tigers have split with the Bulldogs for their season matchups.
Up Next
- Dakota Wesleyan women's basketball will now host for the first round of the GPAC tournament on Wednesday February 22nd against Northwestern with tipoff at 7:00 p.m.
