NDSCS Women Sweep Lake Region Classic; Extend Winning Streak to 8

North Dakota State College of Science women’s basketball program continued its torrid start to the season over the weekend in Devils Lake, picking up a pair of wins over Turtle Mountain Community College and Sheridan College in the Lake Region State Classic to hike their winning streak to eight straight games.

The win over Turtle Mountain saw the Cats lead wire-to-wire after opening a 37-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Thirteen of the program’s 14 players scored, three of which finished in double figures, led by sophomores Emma Ogitchida and Monique Wooten with 12 points each.

NDSCS (9-1) forced 24 turnovers and shot 55 percent from the field. It was the fifth time in the Cats’ first nine games holding their opponent to 50 points or fewer.

Sheridan had its three-game winning streak snapped by NDSCS, in a game that saw the Wildcats score 23 of the game’s first 26 points. The Generals would close the deficit to 10 with just two minutes left in the game, but NDSCS responded with a quick 6-0 spurt to put the game out of reach, 76-59.

NDSCS forced 31 turnovers and totaled 21 assists on 29 field goals.

Justyna Butler finished with her best performance to date, putting up 15 points, nine assists, four rebounds and four steals. Classmate Monique Wooten added 11 points and freshman Zaraya March also scored 11 points.

As a team, the Cats shot 55 percent from the field and 47 percent from 3-point range.

NDSCS will head to Council Bluffs, Iowa this weekend for the Iowa Western Thanksgiving Classic on Friday and Saturday.