No. 2 North Dakota State earned a 72-60 win over No. 7 Denver in the first quarterfinal matchup of the 2024 Summit League Women’s Basketball Championships.
The first quarter opened with both teams shooting well, but the Bison quickly went on a run to go up 21-14 near the end of the frame. Emily Counsel broke Denver’s scoring drought with 15 seconds left, leaving NDSU with a 25-16 lead after one.
NDSU opened up a 30-18 lead to start the second quarter, but Denver quickly responded with each possession. NDSU led by 11 at the half.
With NDSU leading by double digits in the third, Lauren With nailed a triple for the Pioneers to bring the lead back down, and Emma Smith followed suit with Denver’s next possession, but the Bison responded and strung together a run to go up 60-49 at the end of the third.
NDSU stretched the gap to 15 points in the fourth, ultimately taking the win.
Responding to a question about the 20-win barrier that NDSU reached this season, Coach Jory Collins said, “We’re hoping we get to a point where that’s the norm and we see what we can do above that. I also want to make sure I celebrate those things with this group.. we want to get to a point where we win this tournament, is what the goal is.”
NDSU was led by Heaven Hamling’s 25 points and eight rebounds. Elle Evans and Abbie Draper combined for 33 points, while Avery Koenen grabbed 10 boards for the Bison.
Coach Doshia Woods spoke to the team’s defensive adjustments in the second half.
“We want to be a team that can be up and pressure. We’re not able to start the game that way just because they’re [Jordan Jones and Emma Smith] averaging close to 40 minutes a game… I thought we came out and hit some of those defensive assignments… in some ways, probably just ran out of gas.”
Woods also commented on departing players.
“With Lauren [With], I give her a lot of credit. She was actually going to go somewhere else.. she’s done a great job in the locker room just trying to bring some experience… I’m gonna tell you like I told Mikayla in the locker room today. I twisted my hair, I did two twists today so you can’t see it, but every single gray hair I have, she’s responsible for.. I’m really proud. It’s been an up and down time for her here, and I truly believe in coaching, players and coaches are brought together for a reason.. I don’t care what her stats say.. I know that she’s made me a better coach and I’ve made her a better person.”
Jordan Jones tallied 16 points for Denver, while Emily Counsel netted 12. Angelina Robles and Emma Smith followed with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Denver finishes the season 5-11 in Summit play, and 8-22 overall.
No 2. North Dakota State will face off against the winner of Game 5 (No 3. Oral Roberts/No. 6 North Dakota) at 3 p.m. Monday, March 11th on CBS Sports Network.