Box Score Box Score

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Continuing to fight for a playoff spot, Northern State Wolves (15-12, 10-11 NSIC) women's basketball squad used the long ball and a staunch defense in the waning moments to close out the visiting Concordia-St. Paul (10-17, 7-14 NSIC) Golden Bears on the annual “I Hate Winter” senior day celebration in front of 3,654 fans as the Wolves pulled the 64-60 victory.
 
After the Wolves took a slim 27-24 lead into the locker room at intermission, the Wolves came out firing in the second half.
 
With alternating a basket apiece to start the second stanza, Alison Kusler got the Wolves kick started with a trey from long range for three of her game high 16 points.
 
The Wolves used a 26-9 run to increase their lead to 20 points with 9:21 remaining in the contest. Included in the run were five three point baskets and two plays of the conventional three point play.
 
After a Sarah Hintz steal, Emily Becken followed suit for a three point basket of her own, who also had a game high of 16 points.
 
Senior Mikayla Barondeau hit a trey to increase the Wolves lead 12 at 40-28 with 14:49 remianing.
 
Kusler continued the three point barrage, this one the hard way as she hit a running jump shot while getting fouled, cleaning it up with the free throw.
 
Adding another three point basket to her 12 points, Barondeau increased the Wolves lead 47-30.
 
Caitlin Farroh continued the run with a traditional three point play after a lay up and free throw.
 
Becken capped the run with yet another three point basket from long range, posting a 55-35 lead with 9:21 remaining.
 
The Golden Bears used a 13-0 run of their own to cut into the Wolves lead and set up for the exciting finish with 5:06 remaining.
 
After a series of Wolves turnovers, the Golden Bears were able to cut the Wolves lead to just two points with 23 seconds remaining.
 
Kusler hit one of two free throws giving the Golden Bears an opportunity for the lead or tie. Rachel Hansen missed on a lay up but Jodi Batzel picked up the offensive rebound and fouled on her put back attempt.
 
Batzel hit 1 of two free throws to cut the lead to two with 14 seconds remaining.
 
On the ensuing Wolves possession, Kusler was fouled and sent to the free throw line hitting both for the final score of 64-60.
 
The Wolves paced three in double figures with Becken and Kusler each with 16 and Barondeau with 12 on five of six shooting.
 
Northern State returns to the hardwood next Saturday for their final regular season game in a match-up with the University of Mary at 4 p.m. in Bismarck, N.D. Entering the contest, the Wolves are tied with St. Cloud State for eighth and final NSIC playoff position. The Wolves will advance with a win or a St. Cloud loss at Concordia-St. Paul next Saturday.