Offensive outburst carries DWU women's basketball past No. 18 Briar Cliff
Jan. 28—SIOUX CITY, Iowa. — After coming up short at home in overtime against No. 4 Dordt on Wednesday, Dakota Wesleyan women's basketball coach Jason Christensen said he was waiting for an offensive spark.
He certainly got one on Saturday afternoon.
DWU (15-6, 9-6 GPAC) rolled up at least 23 points in each of the first three quarters and had six players contribute at least nine points, as the Tigers raced past No. 18 Briar Cliff, 89-71, in Great Plains Athletic Conference action.
The Tigers led for more than 37 minutes of game time and never trailed, pulling ahead by as much as 26 points midway through the third quarter (68-42). The offensive performance included marks of 34 for 65 (52.3%) from the field, 7 for 16 (43.8%) from 3-point range and 14 for 15 (93.3%) at the free-throw line. DWU also held a 29-to-25 edge in rebounding and committed six fewer turnovers than the Chargers.
DWU's leads were 28-21 after the first quarter, 51-38 at halftime and 75-57 entering the final frame.
Lacey Sprakel came off the bench to lead DWU in scoring with 18 points to go with five rebounds, while Matti Reiner added 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals from the starting lineup. Isabel Ihnen finished with 16 points, as Morgan Edelman chipped in 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Rylee Rosenquist contributed 12 points, five rebounds and two steals, and Rynn Osthus had nine points off the bench.
Konnor Sudmann put up 24 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, and Madelyn Deitchler wasn't far behind with 22 points and five rebounds for Briar Cliff (16-6, 12-4 GPAC). Payton Slaughter contributed six points, seven rebounds and three assists.
DWU is on the road again on Monday to take on No. 20 Northwestern in Orange City, Iowa.
