MITCHELL — After a recent lapse that saw Dakota Wesleyan women’s basketball fall for the first time since mid-November, a midweek home contest represented an opportunity to rediscover the form that powered a 14-2 start.
And DWU made the most of its chance.
The Tigers asserted themselves as the aggressors from the opening possession and led for all but a 63-second stretch early in the first quarter to notch a 95-50 win over Midland in a Great Plains Athletic Conference contest Wednesday night at the Corn Palace.
After dropping back-to-back games against Briar Cliff and Concordia (Neb.) — both near the top of the GPAC standings with the Tigers — DWU scored its most points since Feb. 8, 2020, to drop the Warriors to second-to-last in the conference standings.
Aspen Hansen made her first collegiate start on Wednesday, trading roles with fellow sophomore Isabel Ihnen, with Hansen posting 10 points, five rebounds and one assist.
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Kaylee Kirk helped get things started for the Tigers, taking a baseline steal and driving end-to-end for a short jump shot in the lane that put DWU up 10-3 and forced a Midland timeout. The Warriors found some offensive stability for the rest of the period, though three of their four field goals came from behind the 3-point arc, but couldn’t find as much success on the opposite end as DWU led 22-14 after the first quarter.
Matt Gade/Mitchell Republic
Midland kept the Tigers’ lead to single digits in the opening moments of the second, but from that moment on, the game belonged to the GPAC’s best scoring defense.
DWU held Midland in check over the final 7:11 of the half, using a 16-5 run over that stretch to seize firm control. A 16-3 run out of the locker room as part of a 30-point third quarter vaulted the lead to 37 points, effectively draining any remaining suspense from the contest.
Six Tigers — Rynn Osthus (15), Matti Reiner (15), Lacey Sprakel (14), Natalie Gottlob (12), Kirk (10) and Hansen (10) — reached double figures in points, with Osthus adding five rebounds and six assists. Ihnen posted a team-high eight rebounds in her first game off the bench this season
Midland (7-11, 3-8 GPAC) was led by 17 points and six rebounds from Peyton Wingert, while Emma Shepard and Lexi Glosser had eight points each.
DWU (15-4, 7-4 GPAC) hosts Mount Marty at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16.
1/Dakota Wesleyan University's Rynn Osthus (10) shoots in front of Midland University's Emma Shepard (23) during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
2/Dakota Wesleyan University's Matti Reiner (34) shoots over the top of Midland University's Peyton Wingert (4) during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
3/The Dakota Wesleyan University women wait for player introductions prior to a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
4/Dakota Wesleyan University's Jada Campbell (44) goes to the basket in front of a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
5/Dakota Wesleyan University's Rynn Osthus (10) makes a move to the basket as Midland University's Peyton Wingert (4) defends during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
6/Dakota Wesleyan University's Aspen Hansen (4) comes down with a rebound in between a pair of Midland University defenders during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
7/Dakota Wesleyan University Head Coach Jason Christensen walks the baseline while the bench celebrates a basket during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
8/Dakota Wesleyan University's Matti Reiner (34) goes to the basket around a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
9/Dakota Wesleyan University Head Coach Jason Christensen walks the baseline while the bench celebrates a basket during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
10/Dakota Wesleyan University's Matti Reiner (34) shoots over the top of Midland University's Peyton Wingert (4) during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
11/Dakota Wesleyan University's Rynn Osthus (10) goes to the basket in front of a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
12/Dakota Wesleyan University's Isabel Ihnen (30) comes down with a rebound over a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
13/Dakota Wesleyan University's Lacey Sprakel (52) makes a move to the basket in front of a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
14/Dakota Wesleyan University's Kaylee Kirk (2) goes to the basket in front of a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
15/Dakota Wesleyan University's Kaylee Kirk (2) fights her way to the basket through a pair of Midland University defenders and Dakota Wesleyan University's Lacey Sprakel (52) during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
16/Dakota Wesleyan University players wait to substitute during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
17/Dakota Wesleyan University's Lacey Sprakel (52) shoots as Dakota Wesleyan University's Matti Reiner (34) fouls during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
18/Dakota Wesleyan University's Lacey Sprakel (52) goes around Midland University's Erin Prusa (34) to the basket during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
19/Dakota Wesleyan University's Matti Reiner (34) shoots over a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
20/Dakota Wesleyan University's Natalie Gottlob (50) grabs a rebound beyond Midland University's Lexi Kraft (10) during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
21/Dakota Wesleyan University's Lacey Sprakel (52) goes to the basket as Midland University's Erin Prusa (34) defends during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
22/Dakota Wesleyan University's Jada Campbell (44) shoots over a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
23/Dakota Wesleyan University's Lacey Sprakel (52) goes around the defense of Midland University's Erin Prusa (34) to the basket during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
24/The Dakota Wesleyan University bench celebrates a basket during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
25/Dakota Wesleyan University's Natalie Gottlob (50) goes to the basket as Midland University's Lexi Glosser (13) and Midland University's Emma Shepard (23) defend during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
26/Dakota Wesleyan University's Natalie Gottlob (50) looks for an outlet as Midland University's Lexi Glosser (13) defends during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
27/Dakota Wesleyan University's Matti Reiner (34) goes to the basket while being guarded by a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
28/Dakota Wesleyan University's Matti Reiner (34) shoots around a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
29/Dakota Wesleyan University's Matti Reiner (34) goes to the basket while being guarded by a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
30/Dakota Wesleyan University's Rynn Osthus (10) and Dakota Wesleyan University's Isabel Ihnen (30) celebrate a basket by Dakota Wesleyan University's Natalie Gottlob (50) during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
31/Dakota Wesleyan University's Rynn Osthus (10) and Dakota Wesleyan University's Kaylee Kirk (2) celebrate a basket by Dakota Wesleyan University's Natalie Gottlob (50) during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
32/Dakota Wesleyan University's Kaylee Kirk (2) goes to the basket on a breakaway as Midland University's Sam Shepard (32) gives chase during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
33/Dakota Wesleyan University's Abbigail Magnuson (40) and Dakota Wesleyan University's Grace Fryda (24) and Dakota Wesleyan University's Vanessa Torres (12) celebrate a basket during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
34/The Tigers huddle at the end of the 2nd quarter during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
35/Dakota Wesleyan University's Matti Reiner (34) goes to the basket as Midland University's Lexi Kraft (10) defends during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
36/Dakota Wesleyan University's Lacey Sprakel (52) shoots a basket as Midland University's Peyton Wingert (4) looks on during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
37/Dakota Wesleyan University's Adaya Plastow (32) and the Tiger bench celebrate a basket during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
38/Dakota Wesleyan University's Lacey Sprakel (52) goes to the basket as Midland University's Peyton Wingert (4) defends during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
39/Dakota Wesleyan University's Kaylee Kirk (2) fights her way to the basket through a pair of Midland University defenders and Dakota Wesleyan University's Lacey Sprakel (52) during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
40/Dakota Wesleyan University's Rynn Osthus (10) comes down with a rebound during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
41/Dakota Wesleyan University Cheerleaders during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
42/The Dakota Wesleyan University bench celebrates a basket during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
43/Dakota Wesleyan University's Lacey Sprakel (52) grabs a rebound beyond the reach of a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
44/Dakota Wesleyan University's Lacey Sprakel (52) is fouled from behind by a Midland University defender during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
45/Dakota Wesleyan University Cheerleaders during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
46/Dakota Wesleyan University's Matti Reiner (34) flexes while celebrating a basket alongside Dakota Wesleyan University's Kaylee Kirk (2) during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
47/Dakota Wesleyan University's Abbigail Magnuson (40) celebrates a foul and the basket with Dakota Wesleyan University's Grace Fryda (24) and Dakota Wesleyan University's Vanessa Torres (12) during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
48/Dakota Wesleyan University's Abbigail Magnuson (40) goes to the basket during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
49/Dakota Wesleyan University's Grace Fryda (24) goes in for a basket during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
50/The Tigers bench celebrates a basket by the reserve players during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
51/The Tigers bench celebrates an offensive fouled called for the reserve players during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
52/Dakota Wesleyan University Head Coach Jason Christensen looks for the call from the official on a ball that went out of bounds during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
53/Dakota Wesleyan University's Kaylee Kirk (2) defends Midland University's Peyton Wingert (4) as she tries to go the basket during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
54/The Tigers bench celebrates a basket by the reserve players during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
55/Dancers perform at half time of the Tigers game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
56/Dakota Wesleyan University's Matti Reiner (34) blocks a shot by Midland University's Peyton Wingert (4) during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
57/Dakota Wesleyan University's Matti Reiner (34) blocks a shot by Midland University's Peyton Wingert (4) during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
58/Dakota Wesleyan University Head Coach Jason Christensen calls out a defense during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
59/Dancers perform at half time of the Tigers game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
60/Dancers perform at half time of the Tigers game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
61/Dancers perform at half time of the Tigers game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
62/Dancers perform at half time of the Tigers game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
63/Dancers perform at half time of the Tigers game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
64/Dancers perform at half time of the Tigers game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
65/Dancers perform at half time of the Tigers game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
66/Dancers perform at half time of the Tigers game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
67/Dancers perform at half time of the Tigers game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
68/Dancers perform at half time of the Tigers game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
69/Dakota Wesleyan University's Grace Fryda (24) and the rest of the Tigers bench celebrate a basket during a game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
70/Dancers perform at half time of the Tigers game against Midland University on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
71/Dakota Wesleyan University's Abbigail Magnuson (40) grabs a loose ball between a trio of Midland University defenders during a game on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Corn Palace.
