MOORHEAD, Minn. — The No. 11-ranked Minnesota State University Moorhead women's basketball team rolled to a 71-35 win over Southwest Minnesota State in the opening round of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference/Sanford Health tournament Wednesday at Nemzek Fieldhouse in Moorhead, Minn.

MSUM improved to 24-3 on the season while SMSU ended the year at 3-24. MSUM will face the University of Sioux Falls at noon on Saturday in the tournament quarterfinals at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. USF beat St. Cloud State 65-51 on Wednesday.

The 35 points were the fewest MSUM has surrendered in the Karla Nelson coaching era.

The Dragons shot 47.7 percent (31-of-65) from the field while SMSU was held to 21.1 percent (12-of-57). The Dragons had a 45-35 edge in rebounds.

How It Happened
A fast start set the tone for MSUM as the Dragons opened the game on a 17-4 run and never looked back. The initial run was sparked by eight points from junior forward Drew Sannes and a three-pointer by junior guard Cassidy Thorson.

MSUM led 21-6 after one quarter with Sannes leading the way with 10 points.

The Dragons' defense dominated the first half as MSUM built a 39-10 lead at the half.

MSUM held SMSU to just 10 first-half points on 18.5 percent (5-of-27) shooting.

Impact Performances
Sannes had 21 points, five rebounds and five blocks to lead the offense.

Freshman forward Hintz had 14 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Sophomore guard Jacky Volkert had 10 points and six assists.

Senior guard Natalie Van Wyhe had seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Thorson had eight points. Nine different Dragons scored in the game.

Steve d'Eustachio Stat of the Game
Tonight marked the largest margin of victory for the Dragons in the NSIC tournament.  Prior to tonight, it was an 89-64 home win in the first round on March 2, 2005.

Up Next
MSUM faces Sioux Falls at noon on Saturday at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.