UPDATE: The No. 16 Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) women’s basketball team delivered a stunning performance, overpowering Midland with a decisive 93-45 victory on November 25, 2023, at the Corn Palace in Mitchell. From the opening tip, DWU established their dominance, scoring efficiently and showcasing relentless defense.
In just the first quarter, DWU surged ahead with a commanding 37-12 lead, fueled by a quick 12-2 run and six consecutive points from standout player Emma Yost. The Tigers (4-2, 2-1 GPAC) executed their game plan flawlessly, emphasizing an aggressive inside presence against Midland’s zone defense.
Head coach Jason Christensen praised his team’s execution, stating,
“The kids listened to the game plan… establishing that inside presence was huge for us.”
The Tigers capitalized on their strategy by scoring 32 points in the paint and converting 15 points off Midland’s 13 turnovers in the first half alone, which ended with a staggering 57-point performance.
DWU’s offensive onslaught continued into the second half, with a third-quarter score of 71-38. The Tigers maintained their momentum, ultimately finishing the game with a 22-7 run in the final frame, marking their largest lead of the day at 93-45.
Five players reached double digits in scoring, led by Avery Orth, who achieved a career-high of 20 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. Taliyah Hayes contributed significantly with 14 points, four assists, and three steals, demonstrating her versatility on the court. Christensen noted,
“Taliyah and Avery did a very nice job coming off the bench for us today.”
The Tigers shot an impressive 49.3% from the field, making 36 of 73 attempts, while limiting Midland to just 28.3% shooting. DWU also dominated in rebounds, grabbing 50 boards to Midland’s 23, showcasing their rebounding prowess with 16 offensive rebounds that translated into 18 second-chance points.
For Midland (0-7, 0-3 GPAC), Jenna Weber was the leading scorer with 11 points, but was held to just 3 of 10 shooting thanks to DWU’s strong defensive effort. Other notable contributions included Ellie Bovaird with 10 points and Addy Offutt with 8 points.
With this victory, DWU has now scored a remarkable 187 points in their last two games, solidifying their status as a formidable contender in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. The Tigers will hit the road for their next matchup against Briar Cliff on Tuesday, November 28, at 6 p.m. in Sioux City, Iowa, as they aim to continue their winning streak.
Stay tuned for more updates on Dakota Wesleyan’s basketball journey as they look to build on this impressive victory!
