MADISON, S.D. — Northwestern fell to the fifth-ranked Dakota State (S.D.) with a final score of 94-67 at DSU Fieldhouse, despite a spirited 22-point effort in the third quarter. Dakota State held a firm lead, powered by their 44.4% success from beyond the arc.

The Raiders kicked off the game with a strong defensive showing, highlighted by Kylie Foss's block at 9:26 and Jenna Kluxdal's early three-pointer to set the tone. They dominated the offensive boards, snagging six second-chance opportunities. However, the Trojans' sharp perimeter shooting, with four three-pointers and eight free throws, kept them in control.

Northwestern struggled to contain DSU's fast-paced transition game, conceding five fastbreak points. Allison Piercy's three-pointer kept the Red Raiders within reach, but turnovers were costly. The first quarter ended with the Raiders trailing 22-12.

In the second quarter, Kluxdal's two free throws narrowed the gap slightly, but DSU countered with a scoring spree, leveraging turnovers and quick breaks to widen their lead.

Despite Margo Schuiteman's late-quarter layup and block, the Raiders found it tough to keep pace. Ashtyn Wobig chipped in with a three-pointer and a free throw, but DSU's strong inside game, yielding 16 points in the paint, was too much to handle. The half closed with Northwestern trailing 48-24.

The third quarter saw a more determined Raider squad, trimming DSU's lead with steady scoring. Kluxdal and Foss delivered crucial baskets, and Wobig's fastbreak layup kept the energy high. Despite DSU's defensive intensity, the Raiders' defensive boards and timely steals were key.

Ellie Karolevitz shined, scoring multiple layups to keep the Raiders in the hunt. Late free throws by Aubrey Metzger helped the Raiders outscore DSU 22-19 in the third, ending the quarter down 67-46, with DSU still holding the upper hand.

The fourth quarter was a tough battle. The Raiders started strong defensively, including blocks by Kluxdal and Metzger, limiting DSU's chances. Yet, DSU's three-point shooting, highlighted by Bria Wasmund's quick basket at 8:57, extended their lead.

Mid-quarter, the Raiders rallied with a scoring run led by Foss's jumper at 6:50, along with baskets from Karolevitz and Metzger. They capitalized on free throws, with Emily TerWee contributing from the line. Despite their push, DSU's timely three-pointers and fast-break points kept them ahead.

The game closed with contributions from multiple Raiders, including a last-second jumper by Schuiteman. Despite the late surge, DSU's steady shooting clinched their victory, with the final score at 94-67.

GAME NOTES

• The Raiders racked up 7 blocks and 9 steals in the game
• Ellie Karolevitz led the team with 11 points on 5-6 shooting
• Kylie Foss was agressive on the boards, getting a near double double with 8 rebounds and 10 points

Up Next: the Raiders will travel to take on Morningside on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. in Sioux City, Iowa.

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