Second Half Surge Lifts Trojans to Victory; Defeat Morningside 69-60
The #13 ranked Trojans Women’s Basketball team exploded in the second half and took down Morningside (Iowa) at home, 69-60.
A second half explosion was the story in this one as the Trojans trailed by as many as 11 to the Mustangs. Though a 43-point second half helped bring home a win. After a slow start, where starters not named Morgan Huber were 3-for-11 at the half, Dakota State came out rejuvenated in the second half. The Trojans improved to 9-4 overall on the year. This win marks career win number 125 for head coach David Moe.
The DSU comeback started peeking its head around the corner in the second quarter. The Trojans held the Mustangs to just six points in the second quarter and made them finish that quarter on a scoring drought for 6:29 to end the first half. The game had 16 total lead changes, with 13 coming in the second half.
Chloe Lofstrom led the way in scoring for the Mustangs with 14 points. She was one of three Mustangs in double figures in the game. Along with Alexis Spier posting 11 points and also leading her team in rebounding with six. Lily Vollertsen added 10 points off the bench.
The Trojans held the Mustangs to just 2-for-12 (16.7%) from beyond the arc in the game. The defensive intensity and shot-making in the second half was what it boiled down to. This team played the way they wanted to and got back to Trojans basketball slowly but surely in this game.
DSU’s Savannah Walsdorf led the Trojans with 17 points, all of which came in the second half. Including a 10-point burst off of four straight turnovers in a span over thirty-five seconds. Leading what became a 17-2 run in the final 3:50 to close out the game. Walsdorf also led the way in rebounds with eight, along with five steals.
Morgan Huber added to the scoring effort and made some big shots that energized this group throughout. Including a big time block late in the game as well on Lofstrom. Huber finished with 13 points as the only other Trojan in double figures.
Next Game
The Trojans will be on break again for Christmas, then have three straight road games prior to conference play beginning shortly after the turn of the calendar. Next, they will travel to Chicago, Illinois to take on Saint Xavier on Dec. 29 at 5pm.
