Saturday, February 28, 2009

Wayne State 89 Bemidji State 58

           Freshman Clare Duwelius tied a season-high with six three-pointers and scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Wayne State women's basketball team in a 89-58 win at Bemidji State in the regular season finale for the Wildcats.  The win moves Wayne State to 15-12 overall and 12-8 in the NSIC while Bemidji State closes the season at 3-24 overall and 1-19 in league play.  The WSC women have qualified for the NSIC/Sanford Health Women's Basketball Tournament that starts Wednesday.  Official pairings will be released by the NSIC office on Sunday, but it is known that the Wildcats will play a road game in Wednesday's first round.
            Wayne State trailed just once in the contest (3-2) as the Wildcats raced out to a 44-22 halftime lead.  With the Wildcats holding a 15-10 lead with 12:21 to play in the first half, WSC went on an 11-0 run to go in front 26-10 with 9:04 remaining in the first half.  The Wildcats would lead by double figures the rest of the game as WSC went on to pick up the 89-58 win.
            Duwelius, a 5-10 forward from Des Moines, Iowa (Dowling Catholic HS), made 9 of 19 shots from the field, including 6 of 12 from the three point line, to score her 24 points in just 26 minutes of playing time.  Sophomore center Mara Hjelle also reached double figures with 19 points while Laquisha Cook, the lone senior on the Wildcat squad, finished with 10 points. 
            WSC shot 49 percent from the field, making 29 of 59 shots.  The 'Cats were 11 of 27 from the three point line and 20 of 25 at the charity stripe.
            For Bemidji State, Heidi Matzke and Sydney Epema each accounted for 14 points.  The Beavers made 22 of 65 shots from the field for 33.8 percent.  BSU was 6 of 19 from the three point line and 8 of 10 at the free throw line.
            The Wildcats won the rebounding battle over Bemidji State 42-33 as Jodie Boss, a sophomore from Columbus, hauled in 10 rebounds to go with six blocked shots to lead WSC on the glass.  Colleen McKay topped Bemidji State in rebounding with six boards.
            Wayne State will play in the first round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Women's Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at a site and opponent to be announced on Sunday.