UW-Superior 78, Hamline 58
SUPERIOR, Wis. (November 28, 2017) – A huge run in the third quarter stretched a Yellowjacket lead to as many as 32 points Tuesday, getting a win over another MIAC team in the Hamline Pipers. Hailey Kontny (Superior, Wis./Superior) and Hannah Norlin (Litchfield, Minn./Litchfield) led the way with 19 points apiece.
Superior fell in a hole early in the first quarter, going down 4-0, but they soon tied it up after Kontny and Norlin lay-ins. Hamline would continue to score after each Yellowjacket basket, hanging on to a 16-10 lead after the first quarter.
The 'Jackets scored six straight on points from Norlin, Amelia Leger (Andover, Minn./Andover), and Kontny to tie at 16, and then would take the lead on another Norlin layup, assisted by Justine Larson (Stanchfield, Minn./Cambridge-Isanti), at 23-20. Two free throws from Taylor Kane (Grand Rapids, Minn./Grand Rapids), and a layup from Brittany Laehn (Gilmanton, Wis./Gilmanton), assisted by Jade Tucker (White Bear Lake, Minn./White Bear Lake), would produce an eight-point lead at halftime.
The 'Jackets would come out hot on both ends of the floor in the third quarter, opening up the game by going on a 17-1 run in the first four minutes. The 'Jackets found baskets from all over the court, including layups, free throws, and 3-pointers. Superior allowed only 11 points in the quarter, compared to 34 of their own, to have a 31-point lead at the third period buzzer.
The Pipers would try to dig into the lead in the fourth quarter, but the 'Jacket offense was too strong, seeing points from reserves Madison Strube (Princeton, Minn./Princeton), Kaly Kostrova (Rhinelander, Wis./Rhinelander), and Mackenzie Kmecik (Superior, Wis./Superior). The final horn sounded to a 20-point victory for the Yellowjackets.
Along with her 19 points, Norlin had eight rebounds and a block. Kontney shot 8-of-12 from the floor, including one 3-pointers. Kane had nine points, hitting an impressive 5-of-6 free throws, while Larson found herself distributing the ball with nine assists.
Superior forced 24 turnovers for 31 points on the night, and was ferocious on the offensive boards getting 23 second chance points.
The Yellowjackets will continue their home stand into the weekend, battling former WIAC opponent UW-Stout for the second time this season. They will tip-off at 7 p.m. in the Mertz on Friday, Dec. 1.
