Northern State loses 52-36 to Nebraska Omaha in exhibition Game

Northern State opened its exhibition slate against Division I opponent Nebraska Omaha with a 52-36 loss, recording a team-high 15 points in the third quarter before a crowd of 609, nsuwolves.com reported.

Early Struggles and Third-Quarter Push

The Mavericks jumped out to a 6-0 lead over the opening five minutes before Addison Neuendorf put the Wolves on the board with her first points in a Northern State uniform, marking the program’s first bucket since February. Neuendorf anchored the defensive effort with four steals, helping spark a second-quarter response that yielded nine points after a slow start.

The third quarter marked the most competitive stretch of the contest. Northern State matched Nebraska Omaha point-for-point in offensive rhythm, putting up 15 points to the Mavericks’ 16. Taylor Tool paced the third-quarter surge with seven points, hitting one of the team’s two total 3-pointers on the night. Tool finished as the Wolves’ leading scorer with nine points on 4-for-11 shooting.

Statistical Breakdown and Team Standouts

Through 30 minutes of regulation, Northern State shot 2% from the field, 11.8% from beyond the arc, and 72.7% from the free-throw line. The team finished with 36 points, 38 rebounds, six assists, 12 steals, and one block.

Brooke Jensen added seven points and five rebounds in her debut for the Wolves, tying Liz Boschee for the team lead in boards. Reagan Rus contributed four points and three steals, while Mady Blaylark chipped in five points.

For Nebraska Omaha, Avril Smith posted a double-double with 12 points, 17 rebounds, and seven blocks, accounting for more than half of the Mavericks’ total rejections. Cora Olson added 11 points on 50% shooting from deep.