The WSC women’s basketball team pulled away to defeat Southwest Minnesota State after a very intense first half. The Wildcats improved to 22-6, have won eight games in a row and head into their matchup with Sioux Falls with a lot of momentum.

“Our team has improved in every aspect of the game since the beginning of the season,” said Head Coach Christopher Kielsmeier.

There were four ties and five lead changes resulting in a 15-15 tie at the end of the first. At the start of the second quarter the Wildcats made a run to bring the lead up to eight. The Mustangs wouldn’t give up and cut the deficit to four points at the end
of the first half.

The Wildcats opened the third quarter on an 11-2 run, for the first double digit lead of the game. SMSU made another push and got within seven points with two minutes left in the third but didn’t have an answer for the ’Cats, who scored the final six points and ended the third with a 52-39 lead.

“Our players are much more familiar with each other, which helps them play better together on both ends of the floor,” said Kielsmeier.

The Wildcats had a good defensive game Friday, forcing 23 turnovers while turning the ball over only 11 times. They were also able to capitalize on the steals having a 23-3 advantage in points off turnovers.

“We need to get more consistent with rebounding and cutting down on big mistakes,” Kielsmeier said. “We also have room for improvement and need to work hard to get better on both ends of the floor.”

Paige Ballinger led WSC with 19 points and 11 reboards, recording her second double-double of the season. Kacie O’Connor also had a good game with 11 points.

“Earlier in the season, we were not happy where our defense was at, so our players went to work on improving it and they have,” Kielsmeier said.

The Wayne State Wildcats will close out the regular season on the road in Upper Iowa Friday at 6 p.m. and Winona State Saturday at 4 p.m.