BROOKINGS, S.D.--North Dakota State hit 80 percent from the foul line and came up with 16 more rebounds in posting a 78-68 road win over South Dakota State University in a non-conference women's basketball game played Saturday, Jan. 22, before a crowd of 4,739 at Frost Arena.

NDSU and SDSU, formerly successful members of the North Central Conference, took the rivalry to the next level in the 40-minute battle on the court. The two schools are both in the second year of a five-year transition to NCAA Division I.

Despite having four players foul out in the contest, North Dakota State stayed undefeated at 18-0 and kept South Dakota State (13-6) at a distance down the stretch. NDSU hit 7-of-10 from the foul line in the final minute as Katie Lorenz, Amanda Krenz, Brenda Slyt and Brandee Gibbs each connected. The Bison made 80 percent (28-35) from the line during the contest including 15 straight to open the game. NDSU also held a healthy 47-31 rebounding advantage.

Gibbs led North Dakota State with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Lorenz turned in a solid performance with 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists. The pair were the only NDSU players in double-figures, but there were many contributions. Lisa Bue finished with nine points, while Kayla Dahlen, Leah Klabo and Danni Heintzelman each added eight points. Dahlen, Klabo, Heintzelman and Lacey Johnson all fouled out. The Bison bench outscored SDSU's 38-13.

With the Jackrabbits charging back in the game's final five minutes the Bison had an answer. Lorenz nailed a key three-pointer, Krenz hit Gibbs on a long-distance scoring strike and Gibbs had an alert put-back.

SDSU kept the heat on with Megan Vogel, who finished with a career-high 26 points and 13 rebounds. Shannon Schlagel netted 18 points before exiting and becoming South Dakota State's all-time leading scorer with 1,750 points to pass Melissa Pater (1,747, 2000-03).

North Dakota State, which led 34-31 at halftime, saw an early 11-point second half lead whittled away to four at 51-47 on a Vogel bucket with 10 minutes to play. However, Lorenz found Klabo inside for a layup, Krenz drilled a three-pointer, Bue hit two free throws and Gibbs hit Lorenz in stride and the Bison quickly extended the lead to 60-49. SDSU could only come as close as eight points the remainder of the contest.

It was a defense-minded contest as NDSU hit 38.6 percent from the field compared to 36.5 percent for the Jackrabbits. The teams combined for 57 fouls and 40 turnovers. South Dakota State hit 25-of-36 free throws for 69.4 percent.

North Dakota State is scheduled to host Montana State-Billings (13-4) at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Bison Sports Arena.