November 25, 2025

MADISON, S.D. – No. 5 Dakota State (S.D.) exploded for 16 made 3-pointers and dominated on the glass Tuesday night, powering to a 94-67 victory over Northwestern (Iowa) of the Great Plains Athletic Conference at the DSU Fieldhouse. The Trojans improved to 7–1 overall while the Red Raiders dropped to 4–3.  It was DSU's third win in the last four meetings with NWIA.

Dakota State's 7-1 record to start the season is the best start since the 1983-84 squad, where that squad finished with a 20-3 overall record.  The Trojans are also 4-0 record at home this season (1-0 record at the Madison High School and 3-0 record at DSU Fieldhouse).
  First Half Highlights
Dakota State's outside shooting caught fire quickly as the Trojans drained four first-quarter threes, building a 22–12 advantage. Their defensive pressure forced five Northwestern turnovers in the opening period and held the Raiders to 4-for-20 shooting.

The Trojans extended the lead with a 26-point second quarter behind balanced scoring, including eight points from Mackenzi Simmons, who knocked down four 3-pointers in the half. DSU led 48–24 at the break.
  Third Quarter Highlights
Northwestern pieced together its best stretch in the third quarter, scoring 22 points with improved paint touches and efficiency (9-for-17 shooting). Kylie Foss sparked the Raiders with six points in the period, part of her team-high 10.

But Dakota State kept the margin comfortable thanks to threes from Cierra Watkins and Caitlin Dyer, maintaining a 67–46 lead heading to the fourth.
  Fourth Quarter Highlights
Dakota State put the game away with six 3-pointers in the final quarter alone, outscoring Northwestern 27–21.  Madala Hanson drilled two from deep off the bench.

DSU finished the night shooting 44.4 percent from three (16-for-36) and 42.7 percent overall (32-of-75 field goals).
  TROJAN LEADERS

Cierra Watkins – 18 points 7-for-16 FG, 4-for-7 3FG; 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
Tabor Teel – 15 points, 10 rebounds (double-double) 6-for-10 FG; 3 blocks, 4 assists
Mackenzi Simmons – 14 points 4-for-6 from three
Ella Carstensen – 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Caitlin Dyer – 11 points
Madala Hanson – 6 points TEAM STAT HIGHLIGHTS

Dakota State

• 94 points
• 16-of-36 from three (44.4 percent)
• 49 rebounds (16 offensive)
• 22 assists
• 12 steals
• 21 points off turnovers
• 32 points in the paint

Northwestern

• 67 points
• 3-for-12 from three
• 37 rebounds
• 30 bench points
• 36 points in the paint

Northwestern Notes

The Red Raiders were led by:

• Ellie Karolevitz – 11 points (5-for-6 FG)
• Aubrey Metzger – 10 points, 3 blocks
• Kylie Foss – 10 points, 8 rebounds
• Ashtyn Wobig – 9 points, 6 rebounds

Northwestern shot 39.1 percent (25-of-64 field goals), but their 19 turnovers turned into 21 Trojan points and were too much to overcome against DSU's pace and firepower.
  Up Next
Dakota State comes back from Thanksgiving break next Tuesday evening, closing out their non-conference schedule versus No. 16 ranked Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) in the Battle of the Blues contest.  Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at DSU Fieldhouse.