SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Concordia-St. Paul women's basketball team (4-4, 2-2 NSIC) opened up a 17-point lead early into play and cruised from there for a 74-49 win over the University of Sioux Falls (4-4, 1-3 NSIC) on Friday evening at Stewart Center.

The Golden Bears used a strong triple-threat offensive attack, starting with the low post play of sophomore Anika Whiting (Ashland, Wis.). Then, junior Carissa Wolyniec (Minneapolis) got hot from behind the arc which opened things up for junior Rachel Hansen (Eagan, Minn.) to drive the lane down the stretch.

Whiting's strong start helped power Concordia to a 21-4 lead in the opening minutes as she scored 10 points during the run. Whiting had 16 of her game-high 20 points in the first 12-plus minutes of play and had 18 points at the break.

Her presence inside opened things up on the perimder, as Hansen, Wolyniec and senior Mandy Poke (Richfield, Minn.) all delivered early three-pointers with Wolyniec cashing in four of her six three-pointers in the first half before finshing with 19 points in the contest.

Once the three's started falling for Wolyniec and her teammates on the perimeter, Hansen started slashing through the lane, making plays via the dish and finishing.

Hansen was solid all-around, playing the first 32 minutes of the contest before taking a seat when the game was in-hand. She finished with 15 points, five assists, five steals and four rebounds.

The triple-headed Concordia offensive attack accounted for 54 points to outscore the entire USF squad. They combined to shoot 60.0% (18-30) from the floor and 11-of-15 at the stripe.

Concordia only trailed twice, at 2-0 and 4-2, and there were only two ties in the game at 2-2 and 4-4 as Concordia's early 19-0 run provided the necessary cushion.

Once Concordia established the 21-4 lead nearly seven minutes into the game, it didn't look back. The margin wouldn't be closer than 13 the rest of the way. An 8-0 run by USF brought it to the 13-point margin before a Wolyniec three-pointer snapped the run and solidified Concordia's position in the game.

The Golden Bear defense stifled USF to 27.9% (17-61) shooting including 21.7% (5-23) from long range. USF also committed 19 turnovers in the game.

Meanwhile, Concordia shot 50.0% (14-28) in the first half and made nine three-pointers in the game (9-21, 42.9%) and finished the night shooting 43.4% from the floor (23-53) to easily out-pace it from USF.

USF was led by Laura Johnson's 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Concordia continues road play tomorrow late afternoon with a 5 p.m. tip at Southwest Minnesota State at R/A Facility.