Plucker, DeGagne Lead Bison Past Southern Utah

FARGO, N.D.--Abby Plucker recorded her second straight "double-double" with 23 points and 14 rebounds, and Dani DeGagne provided more than an inspirational boost as North Dakota State defeated Southern Utah 74-54 in a Summit League women's basketball game played Monday, Jan. 31, before a crowd of 690 at the Bison Sports Arena.

DeGagne, a 5-foot-9 sophomore from Brandon, Manitoba, flirted with her first collegiate "double-double" scoring 10 points and matching a career-high with nine rebounds. Dani's mother, Colleen, passed away Friday following her courageous battle against cancer.

Monday's game provided DeGagne with an emotional outlet and her teammates a tremendous boost. The Bison improved to 10-11 overall and 6-5 in the Summit League.

“It's good to get away with our family and it's definitely what my mom would have wanted," said DeGagne, who returned to Canada following the game.

"She (My mom) loved to watch me play, she would have wanted me to keep on playing. It's good to be back with the team because I missed them”

NDSU swept a weekend series in league play for the first time since Feb. 27 and March 1 of the 2010 season, and also put together back-to-back wins for the first time since Dec. 4 and Dec. 7 this year.

North Dakota State never trailed and led 40-24 at halftime. The Bison improved to 10-1 when leading at the intermission.

Plucker hit 10 of 12 from the field including 3 of 4 from the three-point line to lead a group of four players in double-figures for NDSU. Janae Burich netted 17 points including 7 of 8 from the charity stripe. Katie Birkel and DeGagne each added 10.

NDSU scored 21 points off of 17 Southern Utah turnovers and held a 43-34 rebounding advantage. The Bison connected on 43.1 percent from the field compared to 32.8 percent for SUU.

Tayler Anderson and Challis Pascucci both scored 11 points for Southern Utah (11-11, 5-6 Summit), which has dropped six of its last eight games. Pascucci also had 11 rebounds.