LAWRENCE, KAN. – Haskell Indian Nations University's women's basketball team shot 52 percent from the field and sank 11 3-pointers to defeat Valley City State 79-53 Saturday.
 
The Indians held VCSU to just 16 points in the first half en route to the big win. VCSU drops to 5-3 on the season while Haskell improves to 2-6. The Vikings round out play at the Haskell Indian Nations University Classic on Sunday with a 2 p.m. game against Barclay College.
 
Haskell opened the game strong, scoring five 3-pointers in the first quarter to help build a 23-10 lead. The Indians stunted the Viking offense in the second quarter, holding VCSU to just two field goals to hold a 42-16 lead at halftime.
 
After shooting 19 percent in the first half, VCSU came out of the locker room and scored the first six points to open the second half. VCSU improved its shooting to 50 percent from the field in the third quarter and despite outscoring the Indians 21-17, it was not enough as Haskell held on for the 79-53 victory.
 
VCSU finished the game shooting 32 percent from the field (20-62), 18 percent from 3-point range (5-28) and 67 percent from the free throw line (8-12). Haskell shot 52 percent overall (31-60), 37 percent on 3's (11-30) and 75 percent on free throws (6-8).
 
Haskell held a 42-31 rebounding advantage, but VCSU tallied 12 steals to Haskell's seven in the game. The Indians totaled 21 assists and 21 turnovers while VCSU recorded just eight assists and 20 turnovers Saturday.
 
Ashlyn Diemert led VCSU's scoring effort with 12 points while Abby Aslesen added 11 points and pulled down a team-high nine rebounds. Olivia Backus was 3-for-5 on 3-pointers for nine points, and Ellie Braaten totaled five steals for VCSU.
 
Haskell's Myona Dauphinais led all scorers with 24 points while shooting 10-for-14 from the field.
 
UP NEXT: VCSU closes out play at the Haskell Indian Nations University Classic with a game against Barclay College Sunday at 2 p.m.