Aberdeen, S.D. - The Northern State University Women's basketball team dropped a heartbreaker Saturday evening at Wachs Arena to Wayne State by a final score of 56-60. With the loss, the Wolves drop to 8-10 on the season and 5-7 in conference play.
NSU had a couple of mini runs early in the first quarter and took a 20-17 after one quarter of play. Wayne State had an early 10-0 run in the second quarter, as the Wolves trailed the Wildcats by seven heading into the intermission. In the first half, Wolves shot 25.8 percent from the field, 16.7 percent from behind the arc, and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line.
Wolves closed the gap heading into the final quarter out-scoring the Wildcats 19-15. Wolves took the lead with 6:56 left in the half, off a basket by Kusler. Teams traded baskets through the midway point of the quarter before the Wildcats tied the game at 55 with 1:29 left in the game. Wildcats finished the game on a 5-1 run to finish the game, as the Wolves dropped a close game to Wayne State 60-56.
Wolves on the game shot 37.3 percent from the field, 11.8 percent from behind the arc, and 10-11 from the free-throw line. Wolves out-rebounded the Wildcats 38-27 in the game, tallied eight assists, one block, and nine steals.
Lexi Wadsworth led the Wolves in scoring tonight-tallying 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals.
Jessi Marti recorded nine points, eight rebounds, and two assists in the game.
Brianna Kusler tallied 11 rebounds, eight points, two assists, and two steals.
Anika Fredrick recorded eight points, two rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Alayna Johnson was the last starter for the Wolves tallying eight points and one rebound.
Joie Spier recorded four points, four rebounds, and one block in the game.
Tori Mekash hit one three, with one rebound, and one assist.
Brooke Luitjens also hit one three in the game with two steals.
Zoe Hardwick was the last player in the scoring column for the Wolves with two points and two steals.
Wolves are back in action next Friday as they head east to face St. Cloud on Friday and Minnesota Duluth on Saturday. The game on Friday against St. Cloud will start at 5:30 p.m. and 3:30 on Saturday against the Bulldogs.
