Langston, Okla. – Despite a hard-fought effort, the Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team fell to Langston University, 79-68, in the NAIA Tournament on Sunday afternoon. However, the game was highlighted by a historic milestone, as standout forward Emma Yost reached 1,000 career points, becoming just the 31st player in DWU women's basketball history to achieve the feat.
Yost delivered an outstanding performance, leading all scorers with 23 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting from the field, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. She also contributed four rebounds and two assists in 37 minutes of play. Her seven successful free throws on eight attempts helped DWU stay competitive throughout the game.
The Tigers (25-8) started strong, taking a 21-18 lead after the first quarter and maintaining a close battle through halftime with a 39-36 advantage. Yost and her teammates demonstrated impressive efficiency, shooting 44.9% from the field and 30.8% from three-point range. However, Langston (31-2) surged in the second half, outscoring DWU 22-14 in the third quarter and closing out the game with a 21-point fourth-quarter effort.
Sophomore guard Rylee Rosenquist added 21 points, seven rebounds, and a team-high four assists for the Tigers. Avery Broughton contributed 10 points and seven boards, while Shalayne Nagel added four points, four rebounds, and two blocks. Off the bench, Taliyah Hayes chipped in nine points, hitting one three-pointer and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
Defensively, DWU forced 10 Langston turnovers and recorded six steals, led by Broughton and Nagel. Despite DWU's strong showing in the paint with 30 points, Langston capitalized on turnovers, scoring 18 points off Tiger mistakes. The Lions also had a crucial edge in free-throw shooting, converting 89.3% of their attempts compared to DWU's 66.7%.
Langston's depth proved to be a difference-maker, as their bench outscored DWU's reserves 24-10. The Tigers also faced foul trouble, with multiple players recording four fouls, limiting their defensive aggressiveness in the closing minutes.
With the season coming to an end, Dakota Wesleyan celebrates an impressive campaign and the remarkable career achievements of Emma Yost. Additionally, Dakota Wesleyan extends its deepest gratitude to its seniors for their leadership, dedication, and contributions to the program. Their hard work has left a lasting impact on the team and will be remembered for years to come