Aberdeen, S.D - The Northern State University women's basketball team recorded their first loss from Wachs Arena tonight, falling to the University of Sioux Falls 65-82. The Wolves drop to 13-4 overall and 9-3 in conference play after an eight game winning streak. USF improves to 14-4 overall and 8-4 in the NSIC. Northern State is now in a three way tie at the top of the North Division with the University of Minnesota-Crookston and Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Both teams battled in the first 20 minutes of play, however, the Wolves entered halftime down 39-43, looking for a way to defend USF from beyond the three-point arch as the Cougars notched seven in the first two quarter of play. The University of Sioux Falls returned in the third quarter recording 12 unanswered points. Northern State looked for a response to the deficit, but as a team they were unable to spark a comeback.  

The Northern State offense shot 43.4 percent from field goal range, with four different players scoring in double-digits. Sophomore guard Jill Conrad set the pace for the Wolves with a team-high 18 points and eight rebounds. Seniors Lauren Deadrick and Devon Brecke followed up with 14 and 13 total points respectively. Miranda Ristau came off the bench as the fourth player in double-digit points with 11.

For just the four time this season, NSU was outrebounded off the boards 33-40. Jill Conrad and Lauren Deadrick each picked up eight, while Alexis Tappe recorded five total rebounds accompanied by five assists.

The University of Sioux Falls tallied 48 total points as a result of 16 made three point shots. Madi Robson recorded a team-high five three-pointers for 18 total points and Taylor Robson was 4-8 from beyond the arch with 16 total points.

Northern State women's basketball will return to action next weekend on the road to face Bemidji State at 6 p.m. on Friday night and the University of Minnesota-Crookston at 4 p.m. on Saturday night.