MINOT, N.D. - The Concordia-St. Paul women's basketball team claimed a 58-46 victory over Minot State on Saturday afternoon at the Minot Dome with a combination of solid defense and a big run in the fourth quarter.

Sophomore Riley Wheatcraft had a breakout game in her first season as a Golden Bear, scoring a career-high 22 points on 7-13 shooting (6-10 from three). The Northern Iowa transfer and Prior Lake, Minn. native was especially big in the fourth quarter, sinking four three-pointers over a span of about seven minutes to allow CSP to grow their lead and claim the win. Wheatcraft's six made three-pointers were the most for a Golden Bear since Lauren Shifflett sunk six against the University of Mary on February 6th, 2016. Wheatcraft also had three steals and an assist in the win.

Up by two with 7:44 to go in game, Concordia used a 15-3 run over the span of six minutes to take their largest lead of the game (15 points) with about a minute and a half to play. Minot State just managed three field goals in the fourth, and shot just 29.1% from the field for the game. This was the second time in three games that CSP has held an opponent under 30% shooting.

Sidney Wentland and Lindsay Dorr were also significant contributors for CSP. Wentland posted 12 points (on 5-8 shooting) and three boards, while Dorr collected nine points and 14 rebounds.

It was a defensive battle in the first half, as neither team was able to get into much of a rhythm on offense. Concordia shot just 29.6% from the floor, while the Beavers sat at 25.0%.

Concordia was able to jump out to a quick 8-2 lead to start the game. After the Beavers were able to bring the score to 8-7, a 7-1 Golden Bear run put them up 15-8 at the end of the first quarter.

CSP expanded their lead in the beginning of the second quarter, and two Lexi Lee free throws put Concordia up 22-13 with just over six minutes to go in the half. The Beavers ripped off a 13-0 run from that point, but the Golden Bears were able to end the half on a positive note, as Wentland sunk a three to bring CSP to within one at the break (26-25).

Minot would expand their lead to six points midway through the third quarter, but Concordia closed the period on 12-4 to take a two-point lead going into the fourth.  The Golden Bears were able to outscore the Beavers 18-8 in the final frame to secure the win.

Concordia will return home for their next set of matchups. The Golden Bears are 6-0 at the Gangelhoff Center, and will look to maintain their undefeated status on CSP's campus against Southwest Minnesota State on Friday, January 11th and Sioux Falls on Saturday, January 12th. CSP will play the Mustangs at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and will face off against the Cougars at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. If you can't make it to the games, you can watch them live at www.cspbears.com/watch.