Full Game Notes
Setting the Stage: The Wolves opened conference play with a 1-1 mark on the road. After claiming a halftime lead at Concordia-St. Paul, the Golden Bears shot a blistering 64 pct. from the field while hitting 6-8 from long range in the second half in route to the 68-58 CSP victory. A night later, the Wolves picked up the 71-67 win over St. Cloud State. The Wolves were helped with 20 made free throws and four Wolves in double figures. This week the Wolves host preseason favorite Wayne State along with Augustana College.
Last season vs the Wildcats: The Wildcats took both meetings from the Wolves last season enroute to the conference crown. The Wildcats took the first meeting in Wayne, on Dec. 10 with a 61-50 victory. In the second meeting, the wolves lead for just over 32 minutes before falling 61-54.
About the Wildcats: Wayne State, the preseason favorites in the league, has proven that they are the team to beat. Currently the #4 team in Division II, Wayne State owns a +15.9 scoring margin in their eight wins. All-American forward Ashley Arlen leads the Wildcats, and the NSIC, points scored, field-goal percentage and is second in rebounds. The Wildcats are coming off a 78-60 victory over Minnesota State and a 78-58 victory over Southwest Minnesota State.
Last season vs the Vikings: Northern State and Augustana split the season series last season, with the home team taking the advantage in both meetings. On December 12 of last year, the nationally ranked Vikings took a 71-62 victory from the Wolves. In February, a different tale was told when the Wolves turned up the defense taking a 67-54 victory and holding the Vikings to just 33 pct shooting.
About the Vikings: Augustana was picked third in the preseason coaces poll while picking up four first place votes. The Vikings, 5-1 on the season, beat Minnesota State and Southwest Minnesota State to open the conference season. Against SMSU, the Vikings started slow out of the gate, falling behind 10-0, before clinching the 85-54 victory. In picking up the 62-57 victory against MSU, the Vikings were lead with a double-double performance from junior Alex Feeney with 20 points and ten rebounds.
Who 2 Watch 4: Emily Becken (PG, 5-7, Sr. Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial HS) had a very solid weekend for the Wolves. In the loss to Concordia-St. Paul, Becken had a team-high 19 points on 6-11 shooting. Emily also had two assists for the Wolves. In the victory over St. Cloud State, Becken once again had the team-high, this time with 17 points on 3-7 shooting and 10-11 from the charity stripe. Becken had a game-high in six assists for the Wolves. For the Weekend, Becken averaged 37 minutes, 18 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds in the split weekend for the Wolves.
TV Coverage: Friday night's game will be aired live on Midco Sports Net throughout North and South Dakota and portions of Iowa and Minnesota. Check your local listings for channel availability.
