MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Nebraska Wesleyan women's basketball program ushered in the Coach Sam Dixon era with an impressive 71-43 victory over North Central (Minn.) on opening night Friday (Nov. 17) in Minneapolis, Minn.
 
NWU held North Central to just 26.4 percent shooting from the field and jumped out to a 29-15 lead at halftime.  The Prairie Wolves then outscored NCC by 14 points in the second  half as they cruised to the win.
 
The Prairie Wolves defensive pressure forced North Central into 26 turnovers for the game and limited the opposition to make only 14 total field goals.
 
On offense, NWU shot just 33.8 percent from the field, including 5-27 from 3-point range.  However, NWU out rebounded NCC by 12 and outscored the opposition by 10 points in the paint.
 
Junior forward Addie Wetzel had a monster game posting a double-double with 16 points and 19 rebounds.  Wetzel was 6-11 from the floor and had three steals.  She was one of two players for the Prairie Wolves to reach double figures in scoring.
 
Guard Audra Thramer scored 12 points with six rebounds and a team-high four steals.  A total of ten Prairie Wolves players scored in the season opener.
 
NWU will look to make it a two in a row to start the season as they take on University of Northwestern (Minn.) on Saturday at 3 pm in St. Paul, Minn.