DSU Upsets Briar Cliff and Remains Undefeated at Home

Dakota State overcame nationally-ranked Briar Cliff’s fourth quarter fast start, rallying back for an 88-83 women’s basketball thriller at DSU Fieldhouse. The Trojans earned their season series split with the Chargers this season.

The Trojans opened the game by shooting 7-of-10 from the field, thanks to starting the game with five consecutive baskets made to get out to an early 18-8 opening run. DSU led 23-18 by the end of the first quarter, highlighted by their sizzling 60 percent field goal shooting (9-of-15 field goals). BCU shot 40 percent (8-of-20 field goals) in the first ten minutes.

Leading 25-20 in the second quarter, the Trojans sparked a 9-0 outburst to record the biggest lead of the game. Briar Cliff then roared back by holding Dakota State scoreless in the final 2:34 of the first half, tying the game at 44-44 heading into the break.

Dakota State and Briar Cliff battled back and forth in the third quarter, featuring seven ties and five lead changes with the lead no bigger than three points by both teams. Both teams scored 22 points in the first ten minutes of the second half. 

BCU then opened with a 74-66 lead with 6:55 left in the game, but DSU stormed back with a furious rally, using a 14-4 scoring surge to regain their lead.  

After a couple fouls and free throws from the Trojans, DSU was able to secure the victory by a score of 88-83 for Dakota State.

Savannah Walsdorf posted a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds, both season-highs for the Trojans. Elsie Aslesen added 13 points and registered three blocked shots, and grabbed nine rebounds.

Angela Slattery scored 13 points off the bench for DSU. She stole the ball a career-high four times. Sidney Fick tallied 10 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.

Sudmann led the Chargers with 21 points and seven assists.  Madelyn Deitchler added 20 points.  

DSU shot 44.1 percent overall from the field (26-of-59 field goals), while BCU shot 44.9 percent (31-of-69 field goals). The Trojans drained 10 3-pointers in 25 attempts (40 percent) compared to the Chargers 7-of-19 3-pointers (36.8 percent). 

Dakota State notched its 35th home victory in the last 38 games held at DSU Fieldhouse, raising their home record to 4-0 record this season.  It was the first win for the Trojans over the NAIA’s nationally ranked team this season.

DSU and BCU both now have a 9-4 overall record this season, and the Trojans halted the Chargers’ four-game winning streak.

The Trojans face another nationally ranked team before Christmas break, visiting No. 15 ranked Northwestern tonight, with tip-off from the Bultman Center in Orange City, Iowa, set for 6pm.