The Dakota State women’s defense dominated the second half, as the Trojans topped Indiana Wesleyan73-65 in the Round of 16 Thursday afternoon in the NAIA National Tournament at Tyson Events Center. The Trojans outscored the Wildcats 24-18 in the final period, as they advanced to the National Quarterfinals.
Dakota State took a 16-14 lead after the first quarter behind a quick three-pointer from Caitlin Dyer, and aggressive defensive pressure.
Indiana Wesleyan responded in the second quarter, holding DSU to just 10 points and forcing a 26-26 tie at halftime.
Coach David Moe said the first half was frustrating.
Indiana Wesleyan led 42-35 after Kylie Bettinger’s 3-pointer with 5:19 to go in the third.
However, Dakota State answered with timely threes from Bria Wasmund and Mackenzi Simmons to regain control. Wasmund drained a 3-pointer, followed by Ella Carstensen’s free-throw in DSU’s 9-0 scoring run for a 44-42 lead with less than three minutes to go in the third period.
Dyer said the Trojans just kept their heads in the second half.
Wasmund sparked a run with a three-pointer early in the 4th quarter for a 53-48 lead with 8:38 remaining .
Indiana Wesleyan answered with a 7-0 scoring run to cut DSU’s lead to 56-55 after Ellie Kelleher’s 3-pointer with 6:07 left.
Dyer followed with a massive three at the 4:39 mark to extend the lead at 62-57.
Indiana Wesleyan cut it to two late at 66-64, but Dyer drained a 3-pointer with 1:07 left to go to give Dakota State a 69-64 lead.
The Trojans held Indiana Wesleyan to one point in the final minute, as Dyer and Wasmund secured the victory by nailing down a pair of free-throws.
Coach Moe said Dyer’s play was outstanding, and emotional.
Dakota State is the highest remaining seed in the Naismith Quadrant. The Trojans will take on No. 5 seed Georgetown, who upset No. 1 overall seed Freed-Hardeman 74-68 in overtime prior to the DSU-IWU game.
Dyer says the Trojans will be ready for a fight.
Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa. The game can be heard on Madison’s Amazing Country, 103.1 FM. And, at AmazingMadison.com
