DSU Late Run Dooms Jamestown
By Scott Throlson
The Jamestown Sun

     Dakota State rallied from a 10-point second-half deficit to beat the Jimmies 77-73 Friday at the Civic Center. It was the third straight loss by 11 points or fewer for Jamestown and the team’s fifth such setback of the season.

     “This team has taken some pretty big strides the last month,” Jamestown's Mark Wiest said. “Tonight it was very evident on the floor. We’ve seen it in practice, and we’ve seen it in the last three games. This team is going in the right direction.

     “To lose to this team, which went to the Elite Eight last year and has everyone back … to lose by four and be in position to win all night is a good accomplishment. The next hurdle we have to clear is pulling one of these games out.”

      The Jimmies led for most of the first 26 minutes, and Giuli Varriano’s fastbreak layup capped an 11-3 run that gave the Jimmies a 52-42 lead.  But that’s when the Lady T’s started to put things together.  Dakota State embarked on a 14-4 run that tied the game and minutes later used a 10-3 run to take a 68-63 lead with 5:33 remaining.  The Jimmies battled back, pulling within one possession four times down the stretch but couldn’t even it up or regain the lead.

     "We did a great job of executing on the offensive end in the last four minutes," stated Dittman.  "We ran the shot clock down to four or less seconds a couple of times and then hit a basket.  We got a couple of offensive rebounds, hit freethrows, and maintained our composure throughout Jamestown's run at us.  I was really pleased with how we handled the pressure of playing from behind as well as keeping the lead once we were able to get it."

     Laura Tewes led Dakota State (8-7, 1-1 DAC) with 19 points, Sara Nelson 14, Angela Carr 13 and Nicole Geraets 11.

     The loss spoiled a strong offensive performance by the Jimmies.  Looking for some production in the paint, JC got a big game from sophomore post Heidi Fiechtner. The Fargo native scored 18 points and grabbed a team-high six rebounds.

     The increased production in the lane opened things up on the perimeter, helping the Jimmies hit 11 three-pointers. Kristen Klawon hit 6 of 11 from long range and Hatti Ternes drained 4 of 8.  Klawon led JC (7-8, 0-2 DAC) with 19 points. Fiechtner added 18, Varriano 13 and Ternes 12.