Bison defeat Leathernecks, 74-51

FARGO, N.D.- The Western Illinois women's basketball team was defeated by North Dakota State, 74-51, on Saturday evening inside the Bison Sports Complex.

The game was close in the opening minutes as the Leathernecks (10-18, 6-11 Summit League) were tied at nine with Bison (15-12, 10-7 Summit League) at the 14:32 mark before North Dakota State went on a 21-5 run to take a 30-14 lead with 4:10 remaining in the half. Western got within 16 on a Jordon O'Brien basket with 10 seconds remaining, but Nicole Vigil drained a three pointer as time expired to give the Bison a 37-18 halftime lead.

The Bison led by as much as 24 points on two occasions in the opening nine minutes of the second half before Western went on a 16-2 run capped by an Anneloes Kodde three pointer to get within 10 points (59-49) at the 4:11 mark. It was all North Dakota State from there on out as they finished the game on a 15-2 run to defeat the Leathernecks and win their 10th conference game of the season.

The Leathernecks had three players score in double figures, led by O'Brien's 13 points. Kodde and Michele Salvatori both added 10 points. Western shot 39.2 percent from the floor (20-for-51) compared to the Bison's (15-12, 10-7 Summit League) 48.1 percent (25-for-52).

Katie Birkel led all scorers with 22 points while Jill Zaruba added 12 points for the Bison in the victory.

Western lost the battle on the glass as they were out rebounded by 14 (38-24). Ashley Lord led the team with eight rebounds while O'Brien chipped in three. The Leathernecks forced 13 turnovers and recorded seven steals in the loss.

North Dakota State shot 89.5 percent from the charity stripe, connecting on 17-for-19 shots. Western was 6-for-9 from the line for a 66.7 free-throw percentage.

The Leathernecks will close out the regular season at South Dakota State on Monday, March 1 at 7 p.m.

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