Even though it appeared to be a great game between two really good teams in conference play going into the game, defending women’s basketball conference champions North Dakota State College of Science wasted no time in delivering heavy blows and defeating Dawson Community College 89-52 at the Toepke Center.
In the first half, both teams were identical in team statistics in steals and turnovers, but Dawson shot terribly from the 3 point range going 1-10. There were no complaints from the Lady Wildcats who shot 60% from the three point line. The first half was dominated by major scoring from NDSCS, leading DCC 42-24. DCC’s leading scorer, and 3rd leading conference scorer, Alexius Foster was nowhere to be found, going into halftime with only 3 points. Second leading scorer for the Lady Bucs, Ejanae Coopwood, was also scoreless for the entire game.
The second half would pretty much be the same, with NDSCS packing all sorts of scoring punches on Dawson’s defense. The Lady Wildcats were on fire as they shot 53% from the field, 50% from the 3 point line and 71% from the free throw line for the game. NDSCS also outscored Dawson’s bench 26-4.
There were four Lady Wildcats in double figure scoring. Olivia Bell had a double double of 18 points and 13 rebounds. As for the Lady Bucs, Sarah Miranda had an outstanding game. The 5’10 freshman had to deal with 6’3 and 6’2 posts players on the defensive end, but managed to draw two first half charges, score a career high 30 points, collect 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Alexius Foster managed to score 12 points, but 9 in the second half were rushed 3 points as to try and do some damage control.
A disheartened Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. expressed his views, “When playing a team like NDSCS, everyone has to be ready to go in all areas. They’re always athletic. I knew this game was not going to be slow paced. We should get blown out like this if nobody can’t put the ball in the basket and we allow players to drive on us at will. We expect our returning sophomores to contribute with a heavy impact on both ends of the court as they know from last year what these battles look like. In this game, they were nowhere to be found, and it showed horribly throughout the night.” Contrary to the game’s outcome, Coach Lagmay enjoyed the support, “It was wonderful to see such a great crowd from the community. Their support in attendance was greatly appreciated. Our student body wasn’t there because school has yet to start for second semester, but we can always count on Glendive!”
