February 20, 2009

Wayne State 53 Northern State 40

           The Wayne State College women's basketball team earned a 53-40 NSIC win over Northern State on Friday evening in Wayne.  Wayne State improved to 13-11 overall and 10-7 in the NSIC with the win.  Northern State dropped to 12-12 on the year and 8-9 in the NSIC with the loss. 

The first half was tightly contested with four ties and 10 lead changes.  After Northern State took an early 8-2 lead, Wayne State battled back and took a 28-27 lead into the halftime break on a layup by Mara Hjelle just before the first half expired.  Wayne State never trailed in the second half.  The Wolves managed to cut the WSC lead to six at 43-37 with just over four minutes remaining in the game.  However, solid free throw shooting down the stretch secured the win for WSC. 

Defense was the story for Wayne State as the 'Cats held Northern State to 28.8 percent shooting from the field (15-52).  WSC had 15 steals and forced 25 Northern State turnovers on the night.  Northern State scored just 13 points in the second half as Wayne State pulled away for the win.  Wayne State hit 17 of 46 shots in the game for 37 percent.  The 'Cats went 5-13 from the three point line and 14-19 at the free throw line.  Northern State held a commanding 41-29 rebounding advantage, but had 25 turnovers to just 16 for WSC.  Three players scored in double figures for the 'Cats.  Clare Duwelius scored a game-high 12 while Mara Hjelle and Laquisha Cook added 10 points apiece for WSC.  Megan Kusler had nine points to lead Northern State in the loss.    

Wayne State will be in action again Saturday evening hosting the University of Mary in a 6:00 p.m. NSIC contest at Rice Auditorium in Wayne.