Emporia, Kas. – Wolves drop non-conference game to #24 Emporia State Saturday afternoon by a final score of 72-60. With the loss, the Wolves drop to 2-3 on the season heading into conference play next week.
 
Both teams tallied runs in the first quarter, but we started the second quarter tied up at 16. Both teams traded baskets early in the second quarter before Emporia went on a 13-2, as NSU trailed by 11 heading into the intermission. Wolves shot 56.5 percent from the field in the first half, 50.0 percent from behind the arc, 12 assists on 13 field goals.
 
Wolves got the lead to nine with 2:39 left in the third quarter off a layup from Hardwick. Wolves trailed the Hornets by 10 heading into the final quarter. NSU cut the Emporia State lead to five off a three point shot by Kusler. That is the closest the Wolves could get dropping the contest by a final of 72-60. Wolves finished the game shooting 38.6 percent from the field, 3-16 from behind the arc, and out-rebounded the opponents 38-32.
 
Brianna Kusler picked up her first double-double of the season with 11 points, and 10 rebounds, she also recorded six assists on the game. Anika Fredrick also scored in double figures for the first time this year with 10 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Lexi Wadsworth scored nine points, tallied seven rebounds, picked up two assists, and two steals. Sara Tvedt tallied eight points, six rebounds, and one assist in the game.
 
Brooke Luitjens was the last starter for the Wolves, she recorded five points, two points, four assists, and one steals. Alayna Johnson led the bench in scoring in the game with six points, three rebounds, and two assists. Tori Mekash scored four points, three rebounds, and two assists in the loss. Zoe Hardwick tallied four points and two rebounds off the bench. Joie Spier scored three points and recorded two rebounds.
 
NSU opens the conference season next Saturday at Wachs Arena, as they match-up with MSU Moorhead. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. against the Dragons.