Box Score
Box Score

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Riding a season high of 57 percent shooting from the field and a career high 21 points from Sarah Hintz, the Northern State Wolves (11-7, 6-6 NSIC) defeated future Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference member Minot State (10-8) 81-61.

Jumping on the scoreboard first, the Wolves raced out to a 16-6 lead in just over five minutes of play.

Shooting 51.6 percent in the first half, Northern State would open an eighteen point lead at two different times, with the latter being on a Jenna Higgins jumper with 1:44 remaining.

After the Wolves would again jump out of the gates to start the second half, leading 48-27, Minot State put together a quick 9-0 run to cut the deficit to 12 with 14:54 remaining.

Hintz would go on a 6-0 run of her own which halted any comeback that the Beavers had in mind.

The Wolves would build a 26 point lead with 9:47 remaining in the game as Sadie Stotesbery hit a jumper for two of her eleven points for the Wolves.

The Beavers were led by April Nakatani with 15 points on the night, as the Wolves held MSU to 33 percent shooting.

The Wolves were led by Hintz, with her career high of 21 points on 9-10 shooting, Alison Kusler with 13 and Mikayla Barondeau with 13 points. Sadie Stotesbery also had 11 points for the Wolves.

Continuing their trend of dominating the boards, the Wolves out-rebounded the Beavers 45-30. Jenna Higgins at nine boards to lead the Wolves while Barondeau and Kulser each snagged eight.

The Wolves also set a season high in assists with 25 on the night. Emily Becken dished out seven for the game high.

Northern State stays at home as they play host to Mary on Saturday January 21, in a 6 p.m. tip.