MITCHELL, S.D. — A dominant opening quarter propelled Dakota Wesleyan into the NAIA round of 16 Saturday.
Emma Yost scored Dakota Wesleyan’s first nine points of the game and finished with 24 as the second-seeded Tigers defeated College of the Ozarks 76-53 in the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Tournament second round at the Corn Palace.
Dakota Wesleyan jumped out to a 27-14 lead after the first quarter as Yost erupted for 17 early points to give the Tigers control.
The Tigers extended the margin in the second quarter while holding the Bobcats to just nine points, taking a 39-23 lead into halftime.
DWU maintained its double-digit advantage throughout the second half, using balanced scoring and strong rebounding to keep Ozarks from mounting a comeback.
Rylee Rosenquist added 14 points for the Tigers, while Avery Broughton recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Jaida Young also contributed 11 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Logan Jones, Keara Mattingley and Ashlen Garrett each scored 12 points for College of the Ozarks.
The victory improved Dakota Wesleyan to 27-6 and sent the Tigers to the round of 16 for the second time in three seasons. DWU will face Lindsey Wilson in Sioux City on March 20.