A Dominant Performance Paves Way for Summit League Success
Bison Showcase Stellar Scoring Depth
The Bison demonstrated remarkable scoring depth in their recent triumph. Abby Krzewinski led the charge with an impressive 13 points, including three successful three-pointers. Her performance was complemented by Avery Koenen, who contributed 12 points while maintaining perfect free throw accuracy. Notably, Koenen also excelled defensively with eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and one steal. Both Abbie Draper and Marisa Frost added 10 points each, rounding out the top scorers.The collective effort of the team resulted in a well-rounded offensive display. The Bison shot 40.4% from the field, converting 21 of their 52 attempts. Their dominance at the free-throw line was particularly striking, with a near-perfect 94.1% success rate (16 out of 17). This consistency provided a crucial advantage, especially in close moments of the game.
Rebounding Mastery Sets Pace for Victory
One of the standout aspects of the Bison’s performance was their exceptional rebounding. They secured a season-high 42 rebounds, significantly outperforming Dakota Wesleyan. Claire Stern and Avery Koenen were instrumental, each grabbing eight rebounds. This control on the boards allowed the Bison to maintain possession and limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents.The ability to dominate the glass not only bolstered defensive efforts but also facilitated numerous fast-break opportunities. The Bison capitalized on these chances, converting them into valuable points that widened their lead. This strategic advantage proved pivotal in maintaining momentum throughout the game.
Second-Half Surge Secures Win
Entering the second half with a narrow 35-34 lead, the Bison unleashed a powerful nine-point run to extend their advantage to 44-34. Abby Krzewinski ignited this surge with a critical three-pointer at the 6:39 mark. The third quarter was particularly dominant for NDSU, as they outscored Dakota Wesleyan 21-9, building their largest lead of the game at 56-43 following a layup from Molly Lenz.In the final frame, the Bison maintained their composure and successfully held off any comeback attempts from the Tigers. Their disciplined defense and efficient offense ensured the 64-55 victory. This resilience under pressure highlighted the team's readiness for the challenges ahead.
Looking Ahead to Summit League Play
With this confidence-boosting win, the Bison now turn their focus to their Summit League opener against St. Thomas. Scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., this matchup presents an opportunity to build on their momentum. The team’s balanced attack, combined with their defensive prowess, positions them well for a competitive start to conference play.The journey ahead is filled with potential, and the Bison are poised to leverage their strengths to achieve further success. Fans can anticipate a thrilling contest as NDSU aims to carry forward the positive energy from their recent victory into the Summit League arena.