Box Score Box Score

ABERDEEN, S.D. - The Northern State women's basketball team (5-3, 1-2 NSIC) was stifled by the zone defense of the #4 Wayne State Wildcats (9-0, 3-0 NSIC) and hot shooting from the All-American Ashley Arlen as the Wildcats defeated the Wolves 60-38 in the first home conference contest this season for the Wolves.

The Wolves claimed an early 2-0 lead on a Jenna Higgins lay-up. The Wildcats answered with their first of seven three-point field goals of the first half.

After a pair of Alison Kusler free throws, the Wolves would not get on the scoreboard until the 14:39 mark in the first half with Jenna Higgins made a layup to show the score at 11-6 in favor of the Wildcats.

The Wolves would hit another dry spell for 4:24, which would mount a Wayne State 11-0 run, giving the visitors a 16 point advantage at 22-6. Emily Becken would hit a pair of free throws to start a mini 5-0 run for the Wolves.

After trading baskets, the Wildcats would build an 18 point lead at halftime at 35-17.

With the second half underway, the Wolves cut into the Wayne lead at 44-29 with 9:48 remaining. The 15 point Wayne advantage was the closest the Wolves would get.

The Wolves had just one player in double figures with Kusler scoring 11 points. The Wildcats, also with one player in double digits, were lead by the NSIC's leading scorer Arlen, with 27 points on 10-15 shooting and 4-5 from behind the three-point line.

The Wildcats shot 40.7 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from behind the arc. The Wolves shot 23.6 percent from the field and just 13.3 percent from behind the arc.

The Wolves were able to dominate the boards as they held a 46-30 rebound advantage, including 18 offensive rebounds.

The Wolves are back in action Saturday night at 6 p.m. As they host in-state rival Augustana College.