Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Northern State women's basketball team withstood a third quarter run from Augustana and defeated the Vikings 76-66 in the first round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Basketball Tournament. All five starters for the Wolves scored in double figures and Laurie Rogers and Kailee Oliverson notched double-doubles in the victory.
 
THE QUICK DETAILS
Final Score: NSU 76, AU 66
Records: NSU 13-14 (9-12 NSIC), AU 13-11 (9-10 NSIC)
Attendance: 282
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Northern State ended the first quarter on a 14-0 run to take a 20-9 lead after ten minutes of play
• Northern and Augie would trade baskets early in the second quarter, but Kailee Oliverson capped an 8-2 run with a jumper in the paint with five seconds remaining and pushed the lead to 16 points at halftime
• The Vikings used a 24-15 advantage in the third quarter to cut the lead back within single digits at 56-49 entering the final period
• After Augustana tied the game at 59 with 4:57 remaining in the game, Brynn Alfson converted an and-one layup followed by a fastbreak 3-pointer by Oliverson to swing the momentum back towards Northern State
• The Wolves pushed the lead back to double digits with a 13-2 run late in the fourth quarter
• Northern State shot 42.1 percent from the field, 27.3 percent from 3-point range, and 71.4 percent from the free throw line
• The Wolves out-rebounded the Vikings 48-29, and dished out 16 assists on 24 made field goals
• Northern improved to 12-0 this season when leading at the halftime break
• Laurie Rogers' 17 rebounds set a new career high and is tied for the third most rebounds in a single game

NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
Laurie Rogers: 19 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists
Kailee Oliverson: 14 points, 10 rebounds
Lexi Roe: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists
 
UP NEXT
The Northern State women's basketball team advances to the quarterfinal round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Basketball Tournament and will face #13 St. Cloud State. The Wolves and Huskies are scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. tip-off on Saturday afternoon at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.