BOX SCORE
FAYETTE, Iowa – A stellar first-half defensive effort was the victory fuel Saturday for the Northern State University women's basketball team, helping them to earn a 71-53 NSIC victory in Fayette, Iowa over the Upper Iowa University Peacocks.
The win improves the Wolves to 12-10 overall on the year, and 8-7 overall in the NSIC.
Aside from just the 16 first half points, the Wolves also limited the Peacocks to just 23.1% shooting in the half (6-26), including 0-7 from three-point land. They also forced eight turnovers, and held a 21-16 rebounding advantage in rushing out to a 28-16 lead at recess.
Using their first half advantage, the Wolves were able to cruise down the stretch behind 59.3% shooting after halftime while their opponents picked up their game to shoot 51.7%. The Wolves used their ability to get to the line, and their ability to convert, in picking a large free throw advantage for the second-straight night. They shot 14-17 from the line (82.4%) while although they shot well when there, the Peacocks made just eight free throws.
The defensive effort was in large part due to the Wolves' presence inside, as the team notched 10 blocks and forced 15 Peacocks turnovers in the win.
Sophomore Mikayla Barondeau notched a game-high 21 points (11 in the first half) on 7-9 shooting from the floor, including 3-4 from downtown and 6-6 from the free throw line. She combined that with a game-high nine rebounds, two assists and a steal in 32 minutes of action.
Junior Jodi Reinschmidt finished her night perfect from the field (6-6) with 15 points and four boards. She also added four assists, a career-high four blocks, and three steals in 33 minutes of action.
Fellow junior Krista Rabenberg finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, and six blocked shots on the night while shooting 5-7 from the floor.
The Wolves kickoff a three-game homestand at the friendly confines of Wachs Arena next weekend with a matchup with their travel partner, the University of Mary on Saturday, Feb. 13th.
Northern State University is an NCAA Division II affiliated school participating in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and is located in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
**GO WOLVES**
