UPDATE: The No. 16 Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) women’s basketball team delivered an explosive performance on Saturday, November 25, 2023, crushing Midland with a staggering 93-45 victory at the Corn Palace. This decisive win marks DWU’s second consecutive Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) home game, solidifying their position in the rankings.
From the very first tip, the Tigers established dominance with a relentless offensive strategy and a staunch defensive effort. Within just three minutes, DWU surged ahead with a 12-2 run, fueled by six consecutive points from standout player Emma Yost. By the end of the first quarter, the Tigers were comfortably leading 37-12, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
“The kids listened to the game plan. We had two days to prepare for this,” said DWU head coach Jason Christensen. “Establishing that inside presence was huge for us, and that’s going to be us all year.”
DWU continued to dominate, finishing the first half with a remarkable 57 points on over 60% shooting. The Tigers capitalized on Midland’s turnovers, scoring 15 points off their 13 turnovers. Christensen praised his team’s defensive focus, especially in limiting Midland’s top scorer, Jenna Weber, to just 11 points on 3 of 10 shooting.
As the game progressed, DWU expanded their lead to 71-38 by the end of the third quarter, showcasing their offensive prowess with a final quarter that saw them outscore Midland 22-7. Five Tigers scored in double figures, with Avery Orth leading the charge off the bench with a career-high 20 points and 8 rebounds. Taliyah Hayes contributed significantly as well, adding 14 points, along with critical defensive plays.
“Avery finished at the rim well. Taliyah has been in a little bit of a slump, and this is the best shooting game she had, so that’s good for her confidence,” Christensen noted, emphasizing the growth and potential of his bench players.
Other key contributors included Rylee Rosenquist with 12 points and 6 rebounds, and both Yost and Avery Broughton with 11 points each. DWU’s overall shooting was impressive, hitting 36 of 73 attempts (approximately 49.3%), while also demonstrating their strength in the paint with 56 total paint points.
For Midland, who fell to 0-7 overall and 0-3 in GPAC play, Weber was the leading scorer with 11 points. The Warriors struggled throughout, shooting only 28.3% from the field.
Looking ahead, DWU prepares to hit the road for four consecutive away games, starting with a GPAC matchup against Briar Cliff at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in Sioux City, Iowa. The Tigers are on a scoring spree, having netted 187 points in their last two games.
This latest triumph not only boosts DWU’s confidence but also cements their role as a formidable contender in the GPAC this season. Fans and followers are eager to see how the Tigers will continue to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.
