Women’s Basketball: SDSU 72 IPFW 62

There are few certainties in life, but one is close:  South Dakota State beating Fort Wayne in women's basketball.  For the 19th time in 20 meetings, the Jacks were victorious against the Mastodons, winning 72-62 Thursday night at Frost Arena in Brookings.

SDSU shot the ball well (51%), distributed it effectively (19 assists), and controlled the boards (44-31) to win their fourth straight overall, and tenth in 11 Summit League games this year.  Senior center Katie Lingle was the key for the Jacks, with nine-of 13 shooting for 18 points, nine rebounds, and three blocked shots.  Gabby Boever added 14 points, Ashley Eide 11.

South Dakota State dominated in two other key areas, outscoring Fort Wayne 44-20 in the paint and 33-3 off the bench.

South Dakota State used a 14-3 run during a seven minute stretch of the first half to open up a lead they would never give up.  The Mastodons trimmed that advantage to six points with 5:15 to play, but could get no closer.  Fort Wayne was led by Amanda Hyde's 29 points and eight rebounds.  IPFW falls to 1-8 on the road this season.

The Jacks lead in the conference is now two-and-a-half games over IUPUI, who was idle Thursday night.  SDSU hosts Oakland Saturday at 7:00pm.