Aberdeen, S.D. – In the 2016-17 regular season home opener, the Northern State University women's basketball team defeated Black Hills State University 56-40. With the victory, the Wolves improve to 1-0, while the Yellow Jackets fall to 0-1 overall.

Black Hills State took the early 5-2 lead the game, holding the advantage for the first five minutes of action, however the Wolves fought back to take possession of the lead for the remaining minutes.

The two teams entered the half with the Wolves up 25-15, and outshooting the Yellow Jackets 37.5 percent to 20.8 percent from the floor.

NSU tacked on 31 second half points to BHSU's 25 to seal their first victory of the season. As a unit, Northern State shot 48.8 percent from field goal range, 40.0 percent from the three-point arc and 73.7 percent from the foul line.

The Wolves outrebounded Black Hills State 37-29 in the contest, however BHSU forced 21 total turnovers with 13 steals. Kassidy Scott lead the Yellow Jackets with 10 total points and three steals.

Junior Miranda Ristau led the Wolves' offense with 20 points, shooting 8-12 from the floor and 4-4 from the free throw line. Ristau also aided NSU with a team-high seven rebounds and two steals. Jill Conrad followed up with 15 total points, five rebounds and three assists. Freshman Brianna Kusler recorded six points for the NSU offense, with one field goal and four free throws.

Northern State will continue action on the road, facing Montana State, Billings at 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Black Hills State once again on Saturday at 4 p.m. from Alterowitz Gymnasium in Billings, Montana.