Mankato, Minn. – The No. 19 Northern State University women rolled to a 73-49 New Year's Eve victory over Minnesota State on Sunday afternoon. With the win, NSU improves to 11-2 overall and 7-1 in the NSIC, notching a weekend sweep over the South Division.
The Wolves led from the first score of the game getting out to a quick 26-16 lead in the first. NSU added nine points in the second, as well as 19 points in both the third and fourth to seal the victory. As a team Northern shot 47.4 percent from the floor, 42.1 percent from the arc, and 73.3 percent from the foul line. They out-rebounded their opponents by 19 boards, with 45 total in the game.
NSU tallied 19 assists, four blocks, and nine steals as a unit and handily won the game despite 20 turnovers. They added 20 points in the paint, 16 points off turnovers, 14 points off the bench, three second chance points, and two fast break points. Finally, they combined for eight made 3-pointers as a team.
Jill Conrad and
Jessi Marti led the Northern attack with 16 points apiece, each shooting above 50.0 percent from the floor. Marti was second on the team with seven rebounds, while adding a team leading three steals. The sophomore notch two made long range baskets and added two assists. Conrad tallied three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Brianna Kusler was a force for the Wolves with 11 points and a team leading nine rebounds. The sophomore added a team second best three assists, while shooting 4-of-7 from the floor with two made 3-pointers.
Alexis Tappe and
Miranda Ristau rounded out the NSU starters with eight points each. Ristau notched seven rebounds, while Tappe tallied six. Ristau led the team with four assists, while Tappe matched Marti's total of three steals.
Gabby Laimer led the team off the bench with nine points shooting 50.0 percent from the floor. She tallied three rebounds and three assists as well.
Sara Tvedt and
Brynn Flakus added the final scores of the game, three and two points respectively. Tvedt notched five rebounds, while Flakus tallied three assists.
The Wolves will return to Wachs Arena next Friday and Saturday, facing off against U-Mary and Minot State. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday against the Marauders and 4 p.m. on Saturday versus the Beavers.
