SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Winona State (22-9) was only able to muster six points in overtime as the Warriors run in the NSIC Tournament ended with a 69-64 loss to Northern State (23-6). The Wolves 16-4 advantage in points in the paint and 12 offensive rebounds in the second half and overtime allowed them to escape with the victory.
Scoring started slow for both teams as the game began with back-to-back empty possessions.
Tara Roelofs would carry the Warriors through the first quarter, scoring 10 of their 16 points. The Warriors shot 50 percent from the field and from deep to open the game
The second quarter the Wolves outscored the Warriors 17-12. To close out the half, the Wolves would go on a 13-4 run to bring them within a bucket of the lead, headed to the locker room trailing by one, 28-27.
Coming out of the locker rooms,
Liz Evenocheck gave the Warriors a boost by scoring 10 straight points that included two three-pointers. Then Tuttle would continue the scoring as she added six quick points from four free throws and a jumper. The Wolves would close out the quarter with two three-pointers of their own to again, come within a basket of the lead at 46-45. Both teams tallied 18 points in the third quarter.
In the final quarter, the lead would exchange hands a couple times before the Wolves grab it midway through the quarter, at 54-53. The Warriors would keep the Wolves in reach until
Tara Roelofs would knock down a three-pointer to tie things at 58-58 with one minute to play. With neither team being able to find another basket, the game went into overtime.
In overtime, the Warriors struggled to get a basket to fall, while the Wolves were able to take better advantage of the five extra minutes to score 11 opposed to the Warriors' six points.
The Warriors shot 36 percent from the field and 30 percent from deep. The Warriors connected on eight of nine free throw opportunities. The Wolves shot 35 percent from the field and 33 percent from behind the arc. The Wolves made 16 of 18 free throws.
Tara Roelofs led all Warrior scorers with 23,
Liz Evenocheck has 13 and
Jenny Tuttle added 12.
Hannah McGlone had a season high 16 rebounds.
The Warriors finish the season with over 20 wins for the third straight season and seventh time during
Scott Ballard's tenure.
