October 31, 2025

SALINA, Kan. — No. 4 Dakota State (S.D.) used a balanced inside attack to remain undefeated, defeating host-team Kansas Wesleyan 81–61 on Friday night at Mabee Arena on the first day of the Coyote Classic.  The Trojans outscored the Coyotes 25-8 in the final ten minutes of the game.

Dakota State lifted their overall record to 2-0.  Kansas Wesleyan, who qualified for the NAIA National Tournament last season, was playing their season opener.

First-Half Highlights
The Trojans shot nearly 48 percent in the first quarter to take a 22–19 lead, despite opening the game with a 20-7 lead after Caitlin Dyer's basket with two minutes, twenty-seven seconds left on the clock.

Tabor Teel's early post scoring and Cierra Watkins' work on the glass helped DSU build rhythm inside, while Caitlin Dyer converted a pair of free throws and Bria Wasmund added a mid-range jumper off a steal to stretch the margin.

Kansas Wesleyan stayed close behind Odessa Ozuna and Izzy McCool, but the Coyotes were limited to 11 points in the second period.

The Trojans led 35–30 at halftime behind 14 first-half points from Teel.

Second-Half Highlights
DSU outscored KWU 46–31 after the break, using a 21-point third quarter to seize control and a 25-point fourth to put the game away.

A 17-0 outburst midway through the fourth quarter, capped by a Wasmund three-pointer followed by Watkins' basket to put the game away (DSU led 75-55 with nearly two minutes left in the game).

The Trojans dominated in the paint (64 points) and turned 23 Coyote turnovers into 27 points.

Trojan Leaders

• Tabor Teel poured in 27 points on 13-of-21 shooting, adding eight rebounds and two blocks.
• Cierra Watkins posted a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) with three steals and three assists.
• Kenzi Simmons chipped in 13 points, while Bria Wasmund added 12 points and three assists.
• Ella Carstensen and Angelina Chapple combined for 15 boards off the bench, and Dyer supplied six points and steady perimeter defense.

Dakota State shot 44 percent (36-of-82 field goals) overall, forced 12 steals, and committed only nine turnovers. The Trojans outrebounded KWU 45-40 and held the hosts to 41 percent shooting.

Coyote Leaders
Kansas Wesleyan was paced by Izzy McCool's 14 points and six rebounds. Odessa Ozuna scored 11 points with seven assists, and Raegann McDonald added eight points and 10 boards. The Coyotes hit 7 of 21 from three-point range.

Up Next
Dakota State faces another opponent from the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Saturday afternoon, taking on Bethel (Kan.) on the second day of the Coyote Classic at Mabee Arena.  Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. in Salina.