Box Score

Kassidy De Jong poured in a game-high 26 points and Haley Birks recorded the first double-double of her career in leading Northwestern to a dominating 83-43 road win over Dakota State. 

The Red Raiders excelled on both sides of the floor, shooting 49% from the field, and limited the hosts to just 20% from the field (12-for-61). Northwestern held a commanding 52-35 edge on the glass and forced 23 DSU turnovers. 

De Jong shot 11-for-22 from the field en route to her 26-point effort while also pulling down eight rebounds. Birks was just as effective, going 5-for-10 from the floor and grabbing a career-high 13 rebounds. Paige Danner added 14 points, draining a pair of three-pointers. 

Northwestern opened the game with a 7-1 run and extended its lead to 17-5 by the end of the first quarter. The Red Raiders led by 20 (32-12) at intermission, limiting Dakota State to just five field goals in the first half. 

Bre Schuiteman knocked down a three-pointer to cap a 14-2 run at the start of the third quarter to put the game out of reach and the Red Raiders up 46-14. Northwestern led 58-25 by the end of the third and pushed its lead to 40 after a three-pointer by Paige Herrboldt. 

Schuiteman scored eight points in her season debut and Darbi Gustafson matched her career high with 10 boards.

DSU was led by Shemika Frazier with nine points.

Northwestern will play Valley City State tomorrow at 5pm. 

Red Raiders Notes:

Northwestern improved to 14-5 in season openers since the 1999-2000 season; 5-1 in its last six

De Jong has scored 20+ points in 14 games; 26 games in double figures

Northwestern has won six straight against Dakota State and improved to 21-12 all-time

Birks has scored in double figures in 13 games

Danner has scored 10+ points in 10 games

Renee Maneman dished out a game-high nine assists

The Red Raiders limited Dakota State to 1-for-12 from beyond the arc