The Minnesota West women’s basketball team shook off an occasionally shaky performance Wednesday night and posted a 77-63 home victory over Riverland.
The Lady Jays, ranked third in the nation in the most recent NJCAA Division III women’s basketball poll, improved to 18-7 overall and 7-2 in MCAC South Division play. Riverland is 9-10 and 1-8.
Minnesota West led 23-14 after the first quarter and 36-24 at the half, but the Blue Devils continued to hang around despite having just five players in uniform. The Lady Jays committed 20 turnovers in the game and made just 9-of-19 free throws. Riverland, though, turned it over 23 times and made just 1-of-6 shots from the line.
Olivia Hayenga had 22 points, 16 rebounds and five assists for Minnesota West. Audrey Drapeau made four 3-point field goals and finished with 16 points. Hattie DeVries added 11 points and six assists, and Skylla Peterson had 10 points and nine rebounds.
In the men’s game, Riverland, ranked eighth in the nation, scored the first 18 points and led by 21 at the half en route to an 88-61 triumph over Minnesota West. The Blue Devils are 23-2 overall; the Jays are 4-19.
Minnesota West made 51% of its shots from the floor but had 26 turnovers compared to just 12 for Riverland. Karasharo Ojulo had 18 points to top the Bluejays offensively and Jiekgoy Wiel had 14 points. Jordan Sinclair led Minnesota West with six rebounds.
The Bluejay basketball teams both play at St. Cloud Tech on Saturday.
