Mitchell, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan women's basketball earned their sixth win in a row on the season and going a perfect 3-0 against the (RV) Red Raiders with the 69-62 Quarterfinal win at the Corn Palace. Rylee Rosenquist stepped up again in a big way for her team tying a career-high 24 points and grabbing seven rebounds in the quarterfinal contest. Senior, Matti Reiner turned in a big as well scoring 19 points. The Tigers now move on to face Dordt University Saturday in Sioux Center, Iowa.
Stat Leaders:
Highlighted Player: Rylee Rosenquist 24 points (tied career-high) 7 rebounds
Points – Rylee Rosenquist (24)
Assists – Matti Reiner (3)
Rebounds –Rylee Rosenquist & Rynn Osthus (7)
Blocks – Aspen Hansen Jada Campbell (2)
Steals –Matti Reiner (3)
Recap –
The Tigers opened struggling to find a rhythm on offense going scoreless for the first 5:30 of the quarter. Luckily DWU had their suffocating defense as usual holding the Raiders to just five points during that span. Reiner got the Tigers on the board with her staple dribble drive pull up jumper. Dakota Wesleyan knotted it up in the next couple minutes holding the Raiders scoreless for a 5-5 score after another bucket from Reiner and Rosenquist converting one of two free throws. The offensive woes continued on both sides to close the quarter at 11-7. DWU got good looks on offense but just couldn't get anything to fall. NWC came out in a press with 3:15 in the quarter that the Tigers had no problem breaking every time and getting their offense setup.
Ihnen switched the momentum over to the Tigers splashing a three to cut the Raiders lead to three. The Tiger offense found their rhythm with Rosenquist being the biggest thanks for that scoring 12 points in the quarter alone, including a converted and one layup. Rosenquist was doing the same old same old dominating inside no matter what defender drew the unlucky assignment in guarding her. The Raiders did a great job in keeping the paint giant Campbell quiet in the half however keeping her scoreless and only attempting one shot. Both teams had eight turnovers during the half but had DWU winning the rebounding battle 21-17. Dakota Wesleyan took full advantage of Northwestern's mistakes turning the eight turnovers into 14 points compared to the Red Raiders only scoring six points off the eight DWU total turnovers. The Tigers headed to the locker room with a 31-27 lead after the big quarter.
DWU came out of the locker room fired up and ready to put the Raiders away winning the quarter 20-15 and going to the final quarter with a 51-42 lead. Morgan Edelman took a turn stepping up for the Tigers on offense scoring a team-high seven points in the quarter. Reiner followed right behind with six points. The Raiders continued their off and on full court press trying to force the Tigers into mistakes and turnovers but DWU at this point in the season being pressed in almost every single game was prepared and ready for it. Dakota Wesleyan shot a very efficient 9-15 from the floor during the quarter and protected the ball well only turning it over four times.
The Tigers were playing to the game clock the entire fourth quarter using up almost the whole shot clock every possession. The Raiders won the quarter 20-18 but couldn't make up the deficit with the Tigers efficient shooting at the free throw line going 6-8 in the quarter and 16-22 for the game. Northwestern struggled all game at the free throw line going 15-25 (60%). Rosenquist after a quiet third quarter came back alive for her team scoring a team-high seven points during the quarter. Down the stretch Aspen Hansen came up with two big blocks on defense preventing the Raiders of any comeback resulting in a 69-62 win for DWU. Rosenquist was the hero again, scoring a tied career-high 24 points and grabbing seven rebounds. The veteran Reiner had her typical game of 19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals doing it all for her team when they need her most.
Head-to-Head (Northwestern)
- DWU is now 27-40 all-time against NWC with tonight's win.
- This is Dakota Wesleyan's third win against Northwestern this season with grabbing 73-64 win on the road and a 55-41 win at home and tonight's 69-62 win.
Up Next
- Dakota Wesleyan women's basketball will now travel to Sioux Center, Iowa to take on Dordt University Saturday February 25th with the time to be determined.
