Mitchell, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan Tigers (23-5, 18-4) delivered a thrilling performance, avenging a tough 5-point loss from December by defeating No. 1 ranked Dordt University (26-2, 20-2) 74-64 in overtime at The World's Only Corn Palace. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, the Tigers' resilience in the second half and overtime, coupled with strong defense and balanced scoring, was the difference in this hard-fought victory.
The game began with Dordt holding a narrow lead in the first quarter, fueled by a 6-point stretch from Macy Sievers. However, Dakota Wesleyan kept its composure, with Avery Broughton scoring 11 points to close out the first half. The Tigers came out of halftime with renewed energy and surged in the third quarter, outscoring Dordt 15-4. Shalayne Nagel and Rylee Rosenquist led the charge, accounting for 13 of the Tigers' 15 points in that stretch.
The Tigers maintained the momentum into the fourth quarter, with Rosenquist adding six more points. However, despite their best efforts, Dordt managed to keep pace, forcing the game into overtime with the score tied at 59.
In the overtime period, it was all Dakota Wesleyan. The Tigers dominated, outscoring the Defenders 17-7. Rosenquist was the standout, scoring 10 of those 17 points to seal the win for the Tigers.
The Tigers also dominated on the boards, outrebounding Dordt 41-25 and holding the Defenders 18 points under their season average. This all-around performance, combining tough defense and clutch plays, secured the victory.
Highlighted Player
Rylee Rosenquist (Jr., North Sioux City, S.D., Business) led the Tigers with a double-double performance, scoring 25 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. She was an impressive 9-11 from the free-throw line.
Head-to-Head (Dordt)
- Dakota Wesleyan is now 46-34 all-time against Dordt.
- The Tigers have gone 3-9 in their last 12 matchups with Defenders.
- Dakota Wesleyan has split their regular-season matchups this year.
Up Next
The Tigers will host Doane in the first round of the GPAC Conference Tournament at The World's Only Corn Palace on Wednesday, February 26, at 7:00 p.m.