Aberdeen, S.D. – The Northern State women's basketball team dropped the opening game of NSIC play to MSUM by a final score of 39-57. The Wolves drop to 2-4 on the season and 0-1 in conference play.
 
A slow start by both teams as a combined 14 points were scored in the first quarter as MSUM lead by a score of 9-4. NSU scored eight points in the second quarter and trailed the Dragons 13-20. In the first half, Wolves shot 23.8 percent, tallied 20 rebounds, two steals, and one block.
 
In the third quarter, the Wolves were out-scored by a score of 13-11, heading into the final quarter down 33-24. With 6:14 left in the fourth quarter the Wolves were on a 7-3 run off a basket by Kusler. NSU could not complete the comeback in the fourth as they dropped the NSIC opener by a final of 47-39. For the game, NSU shot 33.3 percent from the field, 30.0 percent from behind the arc, and out-rebounded MSUM by a final of 39-31.
 
Brianna Kusler led the Wolves with nine points, eight rebounds, and one assist. Sara Tvedt tied a career high 13 rebounds in the game, she also tallied four points, three assists and one steal. Brooke Luitjens finished the game with six points, two rebounds, and one assist. Lexi Wadsworth finished with five points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
 
Anika Fredrick finished the game with four points and two rebounds. Leading scorer off the bench was Zoe Hardwick with four points and one rebound. Tori Mekash finished with three points off the bench. Alayna Johnson and Rachel Guthmiller each finished with two points and one rebound. Johnson also added one assist and one block.
 
Wolves are back in action next week as they travel to Bemidji State on Friday and Minnesota Crookston on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 on Friday and 3:30 on Saturday.