Huge Third Quarter Lifts V-Hawks Over Blue Hawks

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Women's Basketball secured a 66-44 home win over Dickinson State University (ND) on Saturday evening. The V-Hawks improve to 8-9 (3-3 NSAA), while the Blue Hawks fall to 6-14 (1-5 NSAA).

Emily McCurdy scored four early points for the V-Hawks, followed by a three from Emma Wagner, assisted by Nicole Johnson, for the 9-4 lead. Nora Tucker then added back-to-back threes to help Viterbo lead 17-4 at 2:40. The Blue Hawks would answer, however, closing the gap to 17-10 to end the first.

Johnson led Viterbo with six points to start the second, but after that, the V-Hawks went cold, only scoring once more, a layup form Lauryn Goettl. Dickinson used the drought to battle back to a 25-23 deficit going into the break.

A Macy Stellner and-one highlighted a 7-0 run to start the third, while Emma Wagner and Nicole Johnson hit big threes as Viterbo built their lead. McCurdy converted a pair of layups, Tucker hit a jumper, and following a Goettl steal, Tucker hit a deep three to beat the buzzer and cap a huge 31 points quarter for Viterbo.

The V-Hawks stayed in control in the fourth with a Stellner layup, and two more from McCurdy. Marley Hughes hit one from the stripe, while Taylor Jacobson added a late layup to bring the final score to 66-44.

McCurdy led all players with 18 points, Johnson added 15, and Tucker had 11 off the bench. Pearla-Teko-Folly grabbed five rebounds, and Hughes dished five assists.

Viterbo outshot Dickinson 48.2% - 36% from the floor, including 36.8% - 12.5% from three. They also committed less turnovers, 9-17.

The V-Hawks return to the hardwood on Friday, February 2 as they host Dakota State University (SD) at 5:30 PM.