BREAKING: The Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) women’s basketball team delivered a stunning performance on Saturday, dominating Midland with a resounding 93-45 victory at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. This decisive win marks a significant statement as the Tigers improve to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC).
From the opening tip, the Tigers set the tone with aggressive offensive play and a relentless defense. DWU wasted no time establishing control, scoring six consecutive points in the paint within the first few minutes and launching a *12-2* run. By the end of the first quarter, they built a commanding lead of 37-12, a margin that would prove insurmountable for Midland.
Head coach Jason Christensen praised his team’s execution, stating, “The kids listened to the game plan. We had two days to prepare for this. Establishing that inside presence was huge for us.” The strategic focus on offensive rebounding and exploiting Midland’s zone defense paid off significantly, as the Tigers racked up 56 points in the paint and capitalized on 18 turnovers from the Warriors.
As the game progressed, DWU’s lead expanded to 33 points by halftime, following a barrage of 57 points shot at over 60% accuracy. The Tigers’ defense was equally effective, holding Midland’s star player Jenna Weber, who averages 20 points per game, to just 11 points on 3 of 10 shooting.
The second half saw no let-up from DWU, as they continued to dominate, ending the third quarter with a score of 71-38. The final frame culminated in a 22-7 finish, solidifying their largest lead of the game at 93-45. Five Tigers scored in double figures, with Avery Orth leading the charge, posting a career-high 20 points and 8 rebounds off the bench.
Taliyah Hayes contributed significantly as well, with 14 points, four assists, and three steals, showcasing her versatility and potential as the season progresses. Christensen noted, “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.”
Rylee Rosenquist added 12 points alongside her six rebounds, while Emma Yost and Avery Broughton each chipped in with 11 points. Overall, DWU’s shooting was impressive, hitting 36 of 73 shots for nearly 49.3% from the field and maintaining a solid 40% from three-point range.
On the other side, Midland struggled offensively, with their shooting percentage languishing at 28.3%. Jenna Weber was the only player to hit double digits for the Warriors, who remained winless at 0-7 and 0-3 in GPAC play.
Looking ahead, the Tigers will hit the road for four consecutive games, starting with a matchup against Briar Cliff at 6 p.m. on November 25, 2023, in Sioux City, Iowa. As DWU continues to build momentum, fans will be eager to see how the team capitalizes on this commanding victory.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the season unfolds.
