Mitchell, SD - College of the Ozarks could not overcome an early deficit on Saturday afternoon, falling 76-53 to Dakota Wesleyan in Mitchell, South Dakota. The Bobcats trailed 27-14 after the first quarter and were down 39-23 at halftime as Dakota Wesleyan controlled the game from the opening minutes behind efficient perimeter shooting and a decisive edge on the glass.

Dakota Wesleyan seized control with a 27-point opening quarter, using an early surge to put the Bobcats in chase mode. College of the Ozarks briefly cut into the margin in the second quarter when Zoe Hinze connected from beyond the arc to make it 29-17, but the hosts responded, holding the Bobcats to nine points in the frame to take a 16-point lead into the break. College of the Ozarks never drew closer the rest of the way as Dakota Wesleyan methodically extended its advantage in the second half.

Offensively, the Bobcats were led by Logan Jones and Keara Mattingley with 12 points apiece. Jones filled the box score with 12 points, five rebounds, three steals and three assists while knocking down a pair of 3-pointers. College of the Ozarks finished 21-of-63 from the field (33.3 percent), including 5-of-21 from 3-point range (23.8 percent), and went 6-of-8 at the free-throw line.

College of the Ozarks showed stretches of defensive activity, coming up with eight steals and four blocks while forcing 14 Dakota Wesleyan turnovers. However, second-chance opportunities and interior scoring tilted the game toward the home team. Dakota Wesleyan held a 39-28 advantage on the boards, including 10 offensive rebounds, and scored 38 points in the paint to keep constant pressure on the Bobcats’ defense.

Dakota Wesleyan was led by Emma Yost, who poured in a game-high 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, and went a perfect 5-of-5 at the line. Yost hit a 3-pointer late in the first quarter to help build the early cushion and added another in the fourth as the lead grew. Rylee Rosenquist added 14 points, going 6-of-6 at the foul line, while Avery Broughton posted a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds along with three blocks.

Dakota Wesleyan shot 44.3 percent from the floor (27-of-61), converted six 3-pointers and finished 16-of-25 at the stripe. The hosts led 57-38 after three quarters and used late 3-pointers, including one by Jaida Young in the final two minutes, to push the margin into the 20s before an Avery Arnold 3-pointer in the closing minute capped the scoring for the Bobcats.

Despite the loss, College of the Ozarks gained contributions across the lineup and generated bench production with nine points from reserves. The Lady Cats gained valuable post-season experience and will look to build on their success in the future.