Fall Short

Photo Courtesy of David Carstens

Wolves Fall Short of First Conference Title

Wayne, Neb.- The Northern State Wolves (24-6, 11-3 NSIC) lost to the Wayne State Wildcats (27-3, 13-1) 54-59 in the championship game of the NSIC/Red Baron Women’s Basketball Tournament in Wayne, Neb.

The Wolves were led by Carolin Becker (Jr., F., Beulah, N.D.) as she scored 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting and hauled down 8 rebounds. Noelle Hall (So., C., Altura, Minn.) also helped the Wolves battle back as she had a double double with 12 points and 13 rebounds on the evening.

The Wolves started strong in the first half scoring the first four points of the game, but the rest of the half belonged to the Wildcats. The Wildcats used a run of 12-0 and two runs of 6-0 to build their lead to 12 at the half at 33-21. Carolin Becker led the Wolves as she scored nine points on 4-of-6 in the first half.

In the second half the Wolves battled back as they would cut the lead to three on numerous occasions but were unable to get any closer. The Wildcats made some clutch free throws down the stretch to help them to their first ever conference tournament title.

With her 19 points Becker went over 800 for her career. She now has 816 going into the final games of the season.

Nicole Gruntorad led the Wildcats as she scored 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Gruntorad was also named the NSIC/Red Baron Most Valuable Player. Kylee McGill also had a big night as she scored 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting.

Noelle Hall and Carolin Becker were the two Wolves that were named to the All-Tournament Team.

The Wolves will play next weekend in the Regional Tournament. It is yet to be decided on what seed they will get for the Regional.

Press Notes