Feb. 3, 1999

Northern State stayed right in the NSIC title race Wednesday night with a 70-55 home win over Moorhead State.

The Wolves (10-11 overall, 5-2 NSIC) fought through a tough shooting night by getting extra opportunities with 18 offensive rebounds and 21 turnovers forced. The Dragons (10-11, 1-6) stayed close the first half -- trailing by three at the break -- but fell victim to a 13-2 Wolves run to start the second half that gave NSU a 49-35 lead and control of the game.

Junior guard Jammie Coyle (Belle Fourche, S.D.) led a balanced Wolves attack with 14 points, eight steals and three rebounds. Her steals number ties NSU's single-game mark, currently held by four players. The last time an NSU player tallied eight steals was during the 1987-88 season when Renee Ruesink did it against Augustana.

Senior post Crystal Bonnichsen (Highmore, S.D.) recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Junior guard Amanda Mikuska (Platte, S.D.) added 13 and sophomore forward Memory Johannsen (Tolstoy, S.D.) tallied 11 points to round out NSU's double-digit performers. Kristie Stangl led MSU with 15 points.

NSU received some help in the NSIC standings Wednesday when Bemidji State handed Winona State its third conference loss. The Warriors knocked off NSU in Winona last weekend, but the Wolves regained sole possession of second place Wednesday with the Winona loss. Minnesota-Duluth remains atop the conference at 6-1, defeating Minnesota-Morris Wednesday night.