February 7, 2026

MADISON, S.D. – No. 7-ranked Dakota State (S.D.) used a dominant first quarter and a decisive third-period surge to roll past (RV) Carroll (Mont.), 70-34, Saturday evening at DSU Fieldhouse in the battle of top two women's basketball teams in the Frontier Conference.  The Trojans held the Fighting Saints to their season low points and 22.2 field goal percentage (12-of-54 field goals).

Dakota State ballooned their winning streak to nine games, raising their overall record to 21-3.  The Trojans expanded their lead in the Frontier Conference standings to two games after lifting their overall record to 16-2.  DSU remained undefeated at home with a 12-0 record.

Carroll, receiving votes in the NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 national poll, fell to 16-8 overall record.  The Saints are in a two-way tie for second place in the Frontier Conference standings with Montana Tech with 14-4 conference record each.

How it happened

The Trojans never trailed, racing out to a 22-9 lead after the opening quarter.  Dakota State established control early behind strong defense and transition offense. A 15-2 run midway through the first quarter gave the Trojans a double-digit cushion, highlighted by three-pointers from Bria Wasmund and Mackenzi Simmons and interior finishes from Cierra Watkins.

The Trojans were 62.5 percent from the field (5-of-8 field goals) and 3-of-5 from the 3-point line through the first media timeout.  The Saints were held to 1-of-5 field goals and committed four turnovers.  DSU shot 57.1 percent after the first quarter (8-of-14 field goals) while CC was 3-of-14 from the field (21.4 percent).

Carroll trimmed the deficit to 10 in the second quarter's defensive battle, but Dakota State maintained composure and went into halftime leading 29-19.  The Saints outscored the Trojans 10-7 in the second period.

The Trojans broke the game open in the third quarter. DSU shot 57.9 percent (11-of-19 field goals) in the period and outscored the Saints 26-7. A 20-3 run midway through the quarter pushed the lead beyond 20 points, capped by baskets from Tabor Teel, Watkins and Hamtyn Heinz.

Dakota State carried a commanding 55-26 advantage into the fourth.  CC was held to 3-of-14 from the field (21.4 percent) in the third quarter.

The Trojans extended the margin to as many as 36 points in the final period and closed out the 70-34 victory. 

By the Numbers

Dakota State shot 26-of-59 from the field (44.1 percent), 7-of-23 from three-point range (30.4 percent) and 11-of-15 at the free-throw line (73.3 percent).

Carroll was held to 12-of-54 shooting (22.2 percent), including 2-of-13 from beyond the arc (15.4 percent).

The Trojans controlled the glass, outrebounding the Saints 45-28, and dominated inside with a 38-16 edge in points in the paint. Dakota State also forced 20 Carroll turnovers, converting them into 24 points, while adding a 22-6 advantage in bench scoring.

Dakota State Leaders

Cierra Watkins led the Trojans with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting and added eight rebounds.

Bria Wasmund poured in 16 points, hitting three three-pointers, while adding three rebounds and three assists.

Tabor Teel posted 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds (12 defensive rebounds) for another double-double.

Ella Carstensen added eight points off the bench, while Caitlin Dyer contributed eight points and three assists.

Carroll Leaders

Kenzie Allen led the Saints with 12 points, while Willa Albrecht finished with 10 points and eight rebounds.

No other Carroll player reached double figures as Dakota State's defense limited clean looks throughout the night.

Up next

Dakota State takes their final regular season road trip to Montana, visiting Montana Western in Dillion Friday and No. 13 Montana Tech in Butte next Saturday.  Both games are set for 6 p.m. (Central Time)/5 p.m. (Mountain Time).