Sioux Falls S.D. – The Northern State University women's basketball team picked up a 76-65 comeback victory over Arkansas Tech in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Central Region Tournament on Friday evening. The Wolves improve to 26-5 overall with the victory, notching their first regional victory in five seasons from the from the tournament.
Arkansas Tech took an early lead, 9-2, after three minutes of play and held a 21-14 lead after one quarter of action. The Golden Suns extended their lead to 15 with 6:07 left in the first half, however the Wolves cut the lead to nine heading into the intermission.
NSU shot 46.1 percent from the field, while Arkansas Tech shot 47.0 percent from the field in the first half. Northern State tied the game at 52-all with 2:14 left in the third quarter, and Wolves out-scored the Golden Suns, 22-7, in the final ten minutes of action, sealing the 11-point victory.
Northern shot 45.6 percent from the field, 18.2 percent from behind the arc, and made 22-of-26 free throws in the win. Defensively, The Wolves allowed 34.8 percent from the field, 22.2 percent from the three-point line, and eight fast break points. The women combined for 48 rebounds, 18 assists, 14 second chance points off of 16 offensive rebounds, and ten fast break points.
Miranda Ristau led the Wolves with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks, while
Jill Conrad was close behind with 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and one steal. The senior also went a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line.
Jessi Marti was the last player in double figures for the Wolves with 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Brianna Kusler notched six points, five rebounds, two assists, and one block, while
Haley Froelich rounded out the starting five with six points and three assists.
Alexis Tappe led the team off the bench, recording four points, six rebounds, and two assists. Alyana Johnson tallied one point and two rebounds, as
Brynn Flakus and
Gabby Laimer notched a combined four boards.
With the victory, Northern State will face top-seeded No. 7 Augustana University Saturday night from Elmen Center. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. against the Vikings. NSU fans are reminded to pre-purchase tickets or arrive early to the contest as the game is expected to draw a large crowd.
