Erin Norling scored a career-high 32 points and helped Wayne State rally in the second half for a 78-65 non-conference victory over the Hardrockers Thursday evening in Rapid City, S.D.
The host Hardrockers started quickly with an 8-2 lead and led 13-9 before Wayne State countered with a 10-2 run, capped by a Halley Busse 3-pointer to give the Wildcats a 19-18 lead after one period.
Wayne State went cold from the field in the second quarter, making just 5-of-20 shots as South Dakota School of Mines outscored the Wildcats 22-12 to take a 40-31 lead at the half.
The Wildcats came out firing on all cylinders in the third quarter, opening the second half with a 16-2 scoring surge in the first four minutes to erase a nine-point deficit and never trailed again. Wayne State led by five after three and opened the fourth with a 10-2 run to build a double-digit lead and cruise to the win.
Norling led Wayne State in scoring with a career-best 32 points on 14-of-25 shooting from the field. Freshman guard Josey Ryan also hit double digits with 12 points.
Wayne State was out-rebounded in the contest 43-36 despite nine rebounds from Norling and seven by Kylie Hammer.Halley Busse was credited with five of Wayne State’s 13 assists while Ryan recorded three steals. Brittany Bongartz was credited with two blocked shots.
Wayne State (3-1) will be in action again Saturday, visiting Black Hills State in a 5 p.m. CST contest.
