SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Rylee Rosenquist delivered a career performance when it mattered most.
Rosenquist poured in 40 points to lead No. 2 Dakota Wesleyan past No. 1 Bethel (Tenn.) 82-77 on Saturday night at the Tyson Events Center, sending the Tigers to the NAIA Women’s Basketball Semifinals
Dakota Wesleyan (29-6) outscored Bethel 23-15 in the fourth quarter, using a late surge and clutch free-throw shooting to secure the quarterfinal victory.
The Tigers will face the winner of Marian (Ind.) and Campbellsville (Ky.) in Monday’s national semifinals.
Rosenquist was dominant throughout, finishing 12-of-18 from the field and 15-of-18 at the free-throw line while adding four rebounds. Avery Broughton added 21 points and five rebounds, and Emma Yost contributed 12 points and eight assists as Dakota Wesleyan shot 57% from the field.
Bethel (28-6) was led by Micah Hart’s 35 points, while Mikee Buchanan added 21. The Wildcats shot just 38% from the field and were held to 15 points in the fourth quarter after leading entering the final period.
Dakota Wesleyan built a 21-16 lead after the first quarter behind Rosenquist’s early scoring, but Bethel answered with a strong second quarter. The Wildcats closed the half on a run to take a 42-38 lead into the break.
Bethel extended its lead to as many as eight points in the third quarter, but the Tigers stayed within striking distance. Dakota Wesleyan trailed 62-59 entering the fourth before taking control late.
Trailing 75-73 with just over two minutes remaining, the Tigers seized momentum when Taliyah Hayes knocked down a go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:32 left to give Dakota Wesleyan a 76-75 lead.
Rosenquist followed with a basket on the next possession, and after Bethel trimmed the deficit to one, she calmly converted four straight free throws in the final 44 seconds to seal the win.
Dakota Wesleyan’s efficiency proved decisive, as the Tigers outrebounded Bethel 36-27 and converted 25-of-31 free throws.
Despite Hart’s big night, Bethel struggled to find consistent offense late and missed key opportunities in the closing minute, including a potential tying 3-pointer.
GAME NOTES: Dakota Wesleyan had 21 assists on 27 made field goals … Bethel attempted 29 3-pointers but made just nine … the Tigers committed 10 turnovers compared to Bethel’s six … Dakota Wesleyan improved to 29-6, while Bethel finished its season at 28-6.