NSU Heads to NSIC/Sanford Health Championship after 58-52 win over MSU

3/2/2015 3:26:00 PM

By: Courtesy NSU Sports Information

Box Score
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Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Northern State University women's basketball team sealed their place in the NSIC Championship game with a 58-52 win over Minnesota State. The Wolves improve to 25-6 overall heading into the title game.
 
For the second game this tournament, NSU enter the second half of play down 29-33. The Wolves struggled in the first half of play going 11-of-29, as the Mavericks broke away with five minutes remaining in the half. The two teams traded the lead throughout the half, with Northern's largest spread of five points coming at the 13 minute mark.
 
Minnesota State began half two increasing their lead to ten heading into the first media timeout of the second. The Wolves then took the court, going on a 19-2 run to earn the seven point lead over the Mavericks. Minnesota State did not lay down, cutting the NSU lead to two points with 3:23 remaining in the game. Paige Waytashek hit a big three-point basket with under two minutes to play, pushing the Northern over MSU by five.
 
The Maverick foul game then ensued.  Devon Brecke was key for the Wolves in the final minutes of play, heading to the free throw line on three occasions. Brecke went 5-of-6 to lead the Wolves to the six point victory. Devon notched 12 points in the game, while adding two rebounds and assists.
 
Waytashek led NSU with 15 points in the win, connecting for three baskets from behind the arch. Rachel Krogman was the final Wolf in double-digits with 11 points and 11 rebounds for her 19th double-double of the season. Krogman tallied a team high four assists. Most impressive was Megan Mutchler's career high 15 rebounds, alongside eight points.
 
Northern shot 40.8 percent in the game, to Minnesota State's 32.2 percent. The Wolves tallied six three-point baskets in the game, going 42.9 percent from the arch.
 
The Wolves will face the winner of the Wayne State, MSU Moorhead game scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today from the Pentagon. The NSIC Championship game is schedule at 5 p.m., tomorrow from the Pentagon.