BROOKINGS, S.D. — South Dakota State shot 50 percent or better in each half and four players scored in double figures as the Jackrabbit women’s basketball team opened the exhibition season with a 93-51 victory over Wayne State (Neb.) Sunday afternoon at Frost Arena.

Maria Boever led the Jackrabbits’ balanced offensive attack with 21 points on 10-of-14 shooting from the field. Ketty Cornemann and Jill Young each scored 12 points, with Kristin Rotert adding 11. Young made four of SDSU’s 10 three-pointers in the game.

Trailing 4-3 after the first three minutes, the Jackrabbits strung together a 7-0 run over the next three minutes to grab the lead for good. Rotert started the run with a three-pointer and reserve forward Jennie Sunnarborg added a pair of baskets.

SDSU continued to build the lead throughout the remainder of the half, upping the advantage to 26 points late in the half on a three-pointer by Vanessa Johnson. The sophomore from Hartford nailed another trifecta seconds before the halftime buzzer to put SDSU in the lead 44-18.

It was more of the same for the Jackrabbits in the second half as Wayne State could get no closer than 24 points, the last at 49-25 with 16 minutes, 24 seconds remaining in the game. SDSU’s final margin of victory, 42 points, marked its largest lead of the night.

After shooting an even 50 percent (17-of-34) in the first half SDSU finished the game 54.4 percent (37-of-68) with a 58.8 percent shooting effort in the second half. The Jackrabbits made 10-of-23 three-point attempts and were 9-of-15 at the free throw line.

Wayne State was held to 35.6 percent shooting from the floor, 16-of-45, including 1-of-12 from three-point range. The Wildcats converted 18-of-30 free throw attempts, 60 percent.

SDSU forced Wayne State into 25 turnovers and also held a 40-33 edge in rebounds. Young led the Jackrabbits with eight rebounds.

Mara Hjelle led the Wildcats with 15 points and eight rebounds. Ashley Arlen added 11 points and seven boards.

The Jackrabbits close out exhibition play Thursday, hosting defending NCAA Division II national champion Minnesota State, Mankato. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Frost Arena.
*Courtesy: SDSU Sports Information