Wayne State 76 Minnesota State 56
The Wayne State College women's basketball team moved to 9-0 at Rice Auditorium after a 76-56 win over Minnesota State Friday night in Wayne, America. The Wildcats' defense was stellar holding Minnesota State to 37.5 percent from the field and forcing 24 turnovers. The win makes Wayne State 13-4 overall and 6-4 in the NSIC and the loss drops the Mavericks to 10-7 overall and 5-5 in the NSIC.
Wayne State jumped out to an early 12 point lead against the defending NCAA Division II national champions thanks to a three pointer by Clare Duwelius. WSC's lead would continue to grow from there as guard Alisha Brown caused havoc on the defensive and offensive side of the ball in the first half. Brown had three steals in the first half and added six points. In the first half the Wildcats shot 50.0 percent (18 of 36) from the field and took a 43-30 lead into the break.
In the second half the Wildcats continued their hot shooting going 14 of 30 from the field in the second stanza. Wayne State added to their 13 point half time lead, jumping out to a game high 25 point lead (70-45) at the 6:27 mark of the stanza. The Wildcats defense continued to pressure the Mavericks forcing 10 turnovers and 10 steals to down Minnesota State 76-56.
The Wildcats shot 48.5 percent (32 of 66) from the field on the night. WSC shot just 23.5 percent (4 of 17) from the three point line and 88.9 percent (8 of 9) from the free throw line. The Wildcats out rebounded the Mavericks 38-31 and grabbed 12 offensive boards. The Wildcats forced 24 turnovers and had 20 steals on the night.
Minnesota State shot 37.5 percent (32 of 66) from the field on the evening. MSU also shot 43.5 percent (10 of 23) from the three point line and 66.7 percent (4 of 6) from the free throw line. The Mavericks defense forced four turnovers on the night against the Wildcats.
Wayne State had three players in double figures. Junior Mara Hjelle of White Bear Lake, Minnesota earned her fifth double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Hjelle shot 50.0 percent (6 of 12) from the field and was four of five from the free throw line. Sophomore Ashley Arlen also notched 16 points on the night to go along with eight rebounds and four steals. Five of Arlen's eight rebounds came on the offensive glass. Sophomore Alisha Brown was all over the floor adding 10 points to go along with three steals. Junior forward Julie Ann Wagner added a season high eight rebounds to go along with nine points.
The Mavericks were led in scoring by Sarah Wiens who had 14 points on the night and was the only MSU player in double figures. Wiens shot 50.0 percent (5 of 10) from the field. Ali Wilkinson added eight points on the night to go along with five assists. Laura Weber led the Mavericks in rebounds with seven on the night.
Wayne State will be at home again Saturday afternoon with the Wildcats hosting Southwest Minnesota State in a Northern Sun Conference contest starting at 4:00 p.m.
