UPDATE: The No. 16 Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) women’s basketball team just delivered a stunning performance, crushing Midland with a score of 93-45 on Saturday afternoon. This decisive victory marks the Tigers’ second consecutive win in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) and highlights their powerful start to the season.
From the very first tip-off, DWU showcased an explosive offense and a tenacious defense at the iconic Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. The Tigers (4-2, 2-1 GPAC) sprinted ahead with a remarkable 12-2 run in the opening three minutes, driven by a strong inside game led by Emma Yost, who contributed six consecutive points in the paint. By the end of the first quarter, DWU had established an overwhelming 37-12 lead, a margin that proved critical to their triumph.
“We executed our game plan perfectly,” said DWU head coach Jason Christensen. “We focused on dominating inside, knowing Midland would start in a zone defense. Establishing that presence early was crucial for our success.”
As the game progressed, the Tigers’ lead ballooned to 33 points by halftime, thanks to an impressive display of shooting better than 60% from the field. DWU capitalized on Midland’s mistakes, scoring 15 points off of the Warriors’ 13 turnovers.
The defensive efforts were equally remarkable. Christensen noted the team’s effectiveness in limiting Midland’s star player, Jenna Weber, who averaged 20 points per game but was held to just 11 points on 3-of-10 shooting. “We focused on shutting her down, and the team did a fantastic job staying in our gaps,” he added.
The Tigers continued to dominate through the second half, ending the third period with a commanding 71-38 lead. The final frame saw DWU outscore Midland 22-7, capping the game with their largest lead of the afternoon.
Five Tigers scored in double figures, with Avery Orth leading the charge with a career-high 20 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. Teammate Taliyah Hayes contributed significantly with 14 points, 4 assists, and multiple defensive plays. “Both Taliyah and Avery have been crucial for our bench depth, and their confidence will only grow as the season progresses,” said Christensen.
Other notable contributions came from Rylee Rosenquist with 12 points and Emma Yost, who added 11 points and 8 rebounds. Overall, DWU shot 36-of-73 (approximately 49.3%) from the field and dominated the paint with 56 total paint points.
For Midland (0-7, 0-3 GPAC), Weber led scoring but struggled against the Tiger defense. The Warriors managed only 28.3% shooting from the field as they continue to seek their first victory of the season.
Looking ahead, the DWU Tigers face a challenging road ahead with four consecutive away games, starting with a matchup against Briar Cliff at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2023, in Sioux City, Iowa. As they carry this momentum forward, fans will be eager to see how DWU continues to perform in the coming weeks.
This dominant victory serves as a statement for the Tigers and sets a high standard for the rest of the season. The excitement around DWU women’s basketball is palpable, and fans are encouraged to share this incredible win!
