Trojans Return to Defend Homecourt: Game Preview – Dakota State vs Northwestern (Iowa)

The #13 ranked Women’s Basketball team returns home tonight to face Northwestern (Iowa) in the DSU Fieldhouse.

DSU is currently on a 20-game win streak at home dating back to last season. Though the Trojans haven’t been blemish-free as of late. Recently falling to Dakota Wesleyan, 69-52 on the road in Mitchell, SD. DSU won their last meeting against Northwestern when they met nearly one year ago on Dec. 20, 2022. They came out on top of the Red Raiders, 80-64.

Northwestern

Northwestern comes into the game on a three-game winning streak. It will definitely be an interesting game between these two teams. The Red Raiders have lost to both Mayville State and Dordt this season, but took down Dakota Wesleyan. Losing to both Dordt and MSU by a total of nine points.

They’re a team that allows just 64.5 points per game to their opponents. On the flipside, they score 75.8 points per game.

They’re led by senior Molly Schany, who posts 18.4 points per game. She’s missed just one game this season and has had quite an efficient year. Shooting 64.5% from the field and 80% from the charity stripe.

The Red Raiders have two more players averaging double figures as well. Including their sharpshooter from deep, junior Hali Anderson, with 13.5 points per game. She is 20-for-45, good for 44.4% from deep. The other double figure scorer is grad student Maddie Jones with 10.4 points per game.

Dakota State

Dakota State comes into the game off their second-worst shooting performance of the year. At just 31.7% from the field and 18.5% from three. Their worst marks came in game one against Dordt, when they shot 29% from the field and 13% from deep. It was the only time this season that no Trojan finished in double figures.

They come into this game sitting at 8-3 overall. DSU scores 78.9 points per game and allow just 67.5 points from their opponents. Expect the Trojans to get back to form as they return to their homecourt, where they shoot their best. DSU shoots 45.3% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc at home. Better marks than both on the road and at neutral sites.

The Trojans are led in scoring by Savannah Walsdorf with 13.8 points per game. Along with a pair of players averaging 9.5 points – those being Angela Slattery and Caitlin Dyer.

Before the long layoff, the Trojans put up 50 assists in two games during the Dakota State Classic. In the rematch with DWU on Wednesday night, they had only seven total assists. While it may be a quick turnaround to hit the court again, these Trojans will be ready and be back to what they do best. Playing fast, sharing the ball and taking and making open threes.

The game is set for tipoff at 6pm tonight with a pregame beginning at 5:45pm on Jammin Country 103.