Aberdeen S.D. – A strong fourth quarter helped the #19 Northern State University Wolves pick up a 74-65 over Minot State. NSU notched their fourth straight NSIC win, improving to 13-2 overall and 9-1 in the NSIC.

It was a tightly contested game through the first three quarters, with Northern State holding a 2-point advantage after the first quarter. The Wolves and Beavers were tied up at 29 going into the intermission, while Minot took a 2-point lead going into the fourth quarter. It was all the Wolves in the fourth, out-scoring the Beavers 26-15 to take the 9-point victory.

The Wolves shot 52.0 percent from the floor and 90.0 percent from the foul line in the victory. Northern out-rebounded Minot 31-21, with 19 second chance points off 13 offensive rebounds. Minot shot 44.7 percent from the field and 80.0 percent from the free throw line. The Wolves had 34 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers, and ten bench points.

Miranda Ristau led all scorers with 23 points, seven rebounds, while shooting 10-of-14 from the field. Brianna Kusler had 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and went a perfect 8-of-8 from the charity stripe. Jill Conrad added 13 points and four assists, while Alexis Tappe was the last player in double figures for the Wolves with ten points and team high five assists. Rounding out the starting lineup was Jessi Marti with three points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Gabby Laimer led the team off the bench in scoring with six points, two assists, and one rebound. Brynn Flakus and Haley Froelich also added two points for the Wolves off the bench, with Froelich notching one assist. Anika Fredrick and Sara Tvedt each tallied a rebound.

The Wolves return to action next Friday and Saturday from Wachs Arena, as Wayne State and Augustana come to town. Tip-off for Friday is scheduled for 6 p.m. versus the Wildcats and Saturday is scheduled for 4 p.m. versus the Vikings.