The Dakota State Women are heading back to the Round of 16. The Trojans delivered an offensive showcase Saturday night, defeating 11th-seeded Bethel 104–74 in the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Tournament Second Round. The Trojans hit the century points for the second straight points, setting a school record for the most points in an NAIA national tournament game. They had set the previous record on Friday, in a 102-51 win over Grandview.
Dakota State led from start to finish, opening the game with a fast-paced attack that created early turnovers and transition opportunities. The Trojans jumped out to a 29–16 first-quarter lead and never gave it up. DSU had eight different players scored in the first quarter to lead the balanced offense attack and forced the Threshers to nine turnovers.
Dakota State continued to control the game after halftime, shooting efficiently and dominating the paint. The Trojans outscored Bethel 25–21 in the third quarter to push the lead to 74–51 entering the final period. From there, DSU closed the contest with a 30-point fourth quarter to secure the 104–74 victory.
Mackenzi Simmons scored a game high 22 points, while shooting 5-of-6 from the three point line. Caitlin Dyer added 18 points, Tabor Teel 15, and Hamtyn Heinz 13.
Dakota State now returns to Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa, for the fourth time in the past six seasons. The Trojans will take on a familiar national tournament foe in No. 10 Indiana Wesleyan, who upset No. 2 seed Rio Grande 86-80 Saturday evening. The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. tip-off, and can be heard on Madison’s Amazing Country 103.1 FM.
It will be the third time in the past four seasons that DSU and IWU face each other in the national tournament. The Trojans won the previous two games, 76-65 and 71-70.
