NDSCS Women Hit Century Mark In Home-Opening Win Over Wahpeton Sisseton College
North Dakota State College of Science opened its 2019-20 home slate with a 105-39 win over Wahpeton Sisseton College on Monday at Ed Werre Arena.
North Dakota State College of Science opened its 2019-20 home slate with a 105-39 win over Wahpeton Sisseton College on Monday at Ed Werre Arena.
In what was a dominant performance from start to finish, the Wildcats placed four players in double figures - led by 16 points apiece by Emily-Kate Parker and Kate Carlson - and received 22 assists on 41 field goals.
After leading by 10, 24-14, after the first quarter, Tom Dryburgh’s unit put together an impressive second-quarter effort that saw them hold WSC scoreless.
I’m total, NDSCS outscored the Mustangs 62-4 over the course of the second and third quarters.
The Wildcats forced 26 turnovers, the third time in four games they’ve forced more than 20.
The increased pressure defense is something that Dryburgh is hoping can be a staple of NDSCS Basketball moving forward.
“Our pressure is a work in progress,” said Dryburgh. “There are times we have good voices and energy on the defensive end and it creates issues for opponents. We need to continue to work at making that our Identity for 40 mins. If we’re going to play a faster pace, we need to make sure we win the TO game each night.”
So far this season, NDSCS is undefeated (3-0) when winning the turnover battle and currently ranked 10th nationally in steals per game as a team (19.3).
Sophomore Monique Wooten added 15 points and nine rebounds, while freshman Asia Smith had the best game of her young career with 14 points, four assists and four steals.
Monday’s win is not only the Wildcats fifth straight at home, but the program is now 69-9 at Ed Werre Arena under Dryburgh.
Coach Dryburgh was extremely appreciative and complementary of WSC following the game.
The Mustangs took the game on short noticed following NDSCS losing a game when Minnesota State-Fergus Falls cancelled its 2019-20 season due to lack of participation.
The Wildcats were not only excited to fill out their schedule, but Dryburgh believes that first year coach Richard Koontz will be a great addition to the area’s coaching scene.
“It’s great to have programs in the area who are able to play on short notice,” said Dryburgh. “Wahpeton Sisseton picked up the game and we are very appreciative of them for playing us. Coach Koontz will get things going there and we look forward to having the competition in the area.”
NDSC is in the first game of a four-game homestand. The Cats will host Bethel JV and undefeated Northeast (Neb.) this weekend in the NDSCS AmericInn Classic.
The stand will end next Tuesday against Ridgewater College.