No. 16 Dakota Wesleyan Women Crush Midland 93-45 in Home Showdown
URGENT UPDATE: The No. 16-ranked Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) women’s basketball team dominated Midland with a staggering 93-45 victory on Saturday afternoon at the Corn Palace. This decisive win marks DWU’s second consecutive home game in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), solidifying their momentum with a record of 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play.
From the opening tip, DWU showcased an aggressive offensive strategy and relentless defense, racing to a 37-12 lead by the end of the first quarter. Key player Emma Yost set the tone early with six consecutive points in the paint, sparking a 12-2 run in just three minutes. Head coach Jason Christensen emphasized the importance of establishing an inside presence, stating, “The kids listened to the game plan… establishing that inside presence was huge for us.”
By halftime, DWU’s lead surged to 33 points, thanks to a barrage of 57 points on over 60% shooting from the field. The Tigers dominated with 32 points in the paint and converted 15 points off of Midland’s 13 turnovers.
Defensively, DWU excelled in limiting Midland’s star player, Jenna Weber, who typically averages 20 points per game but was held to just 11 on 3-of-10 shooting. “We did a really nice job on her,” Christensen noted, highlighting the team’s focused defensive effort.
The second half saw DWU continue to pile on the points, ending the third quarter with a commanding 71-38 advantage. The game concluded with a final frame of 22-7, marking the largest lead of the match at 93-45. Five Tigers scored in double figures, led by Avery Orth, who achieved a career-high 20 points and 8 rebounds off the bench.
Taliyah Hayes contributed significantly as well, recording 14 points, four assists, three rebounds, three steals, and a block. Christensen remarked on their impactful performances, stating, “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.”
Other notable contributions came from Rylee Rosenquist with 12 points, Yost with 11 points and 8 rebounds, and Avery Broughton, who also tallied 11 points. As a team, DWU shot 36 of 73 (49.3%) from the field, while limiting Midland to just 28.3% shooting.
Midland struggled throughout the game, with Weber leading their scoring with just 11 points. The Warriors fell to 0-7 on the season and 0-3 in GPAC play.
Looking ahead, DWU will embark on a challenging road trip, starting with a GPAC matchup against Briar Cliff on November 25 at 6 p.m. in Sioux City, Iowa. Fans can expect the Tigers to continue their aggressive play as they build on this impressive victory.
Stay tuned for more updates as DWU aims to maintain their winning streak and further establish their presence in the conference.
