Mitchell, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan women's basketball team combined efficient shooting with dominance on the glass to earn a hard-fought 72-66 victory over Morningside in GPAC action Wednesday night.
The Tigers (20-5, 15-4 GPAC) set the tone early, shooting 45.9% from the field and an impressive 85.7% from the free-throw line. Dakota Wesleyan maintained its composure down the stretch, playing smart basketball and taking advantage of Morningside's miscues, forcing 17 turnovers to help secure the win.
Dakota Wesleyan came out strong, jumping to a 19-10 lead after the first quarter. Rylee Rosenquist caught fire early, scoring 13 points, while Avery Broughton dominated the boards with six rebounds. The Mustangs found their rhythm in the second quarter, but the Tigers never relinquished control, taking a 34-28 lead into halftime. Rosenquist continued to pace Dakota Wesleyan with 18 points and seven rebounds at the break.
Morningside made a push in the third quarter, cutting the Tigers' lead to just one point at 49-48 heading into the final period. However, Dakota Wesleyan responded with a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring the Mustangs 23-18. Rosenquist, Broughton, and Nagel led the charge, combining for 13 of the Tigers' 23 points in the final quarter.
The Tigers controlled the boards, outrebounding Morningside 37-26, and forced the Mustangs into 17 turnovers, sealing an impressive all-around performance.
Highlighted Player
Rylee Rosenquist (Jr., North Sioux City, S.D., Business) led the Tigers with a double-double, scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. She knocked down two three-pointers while also adding four assists and a steal in a well-rounded performance.
Head-to-Head (Morningside)
- The Tigers are now 15-34 all-time against the Mustangs with tonight's win.
- Dakota Wesleyan is 6-5 in the last 10 matchups with Morningside.
- The Tigers swept the Mustangs in the regular season.
Up Next
The Tigers will travel to Seward, Nebraska, on Saturday, February 15, for a 2:00 p.m. matchup against Concordia (NE).