Aberdeen, S.D. – The Northern State University women's basketball closed out their first NSIC victory of the 2016-17 season after a 74-53 win tonight over Minot State. The Wolves are now 1-1 in the NSIC and 5-1 overall, while the Beavers drop to 0-2 in conference play and 2-6 overall on the year.
Northern outscored Minot State 20-13 in each of the first two quarters, heading into half time with a 14-point advantage. The Wolves continued to increase the scoring margin in the last twenty minutes, gaining their largest lead of 23 points with 1:11 remaining in the contest.
As a unit, Northern State shot 43.3 percent from the floor, 53.3 percent from the three-point arc and 80.0 percent from the free throw line. The NSU defense held the Beavers to a shooting percentage of 26.4 percent from the floor, created a season-high 30 points off turnovers and nabbed 11 steals.
Seventeen different players hit the court for the Wolves in the game, with 11 of them scoring for a total of 29 points off the bench.
Jill Conrad led the team with 14 points, going 6-11 from the floor and 2-2 from the foul line. The junior also led the team with six of their 37 rebounds.
Gabby Laimer followed up with 13 total points, making 4-of-8 from three-point range.
Brynn Flakus and
Jessi Marti had a career-highs in the match, notching seven and six points respectively. Senior
Paige Waytashek led the team with five assists, while freshman
Brianna Kusler lifted three steals.
The Wolves will continue NSIC action from home tomorrow night at 4 p.m. against the University of Mary from Wachs Arena.
