Sioux Center, Iowa — (RV) Dordt University outscored Dakota State by 12 in the final quarter as the Defenders earned an 80-73 win over the 13th-ranked Trojans in the home opener played Tuesday night at the De Witt Gym.
The Defenders improve to 2-1 this season and hand Dakota State its second loss (3-2).
Trailing 52-45 early in the fourth, a lay-up by Karly Gustafson began a 10-2 Defenders run to put the hosts back in front 55-54 with seven minute left to play. The teams traded baskets over the next two minutes until freshman guard Macey Nielson knocked down a three-pointer from the left wing, her only basket of the game, to put the Defenders up for good 60-59.
Consecutive baskets by Janie Schoonhoven gave the hosts a 64-59 lead and the Defenders made 10-of-12 free throw attempts during the final three minutes to put the game away.
Ashtyn Veerbeek poured in a game-high 24 points to go with 12 rebounds for her second double-double of the season to lead the Defenders. Janie Schoonhoven contributed 14 points and seven rebounds coming off the bench and Karly Gustafson added 12 points and 12 boards, her first double-double of the season.
Dordt shot 39% for the game, converted 22-of-30 free throw attempts and held a commanding 48-33 edge on the boards. The Defenders pulled down 21 offensive rebounds leading to 20 second chance points.
The Defenders scored the first eight points of the game and led 21-15 at the end of the first quarter. Dakota State trimmed the lead down to four (30-26) by halftime and grabbed its first lead after a three-pointer by Miakken Vincent with 2:37 left in the third quarter.
Dakota State was led by senior All-American Jessi Giles with 16 points and Courtney Menning added 13 points. The Trojans shot 45% for the game and made 7-of-23 three-point attempts (30%).
NEXT UP
Dordt will play another team recognized in the NAIA Preseason Coaches’ poll, Bellevue, on Tuesday, Nov.9 in Bellevue, Neb.
