OMAHA, Neb. – Ninth-rated Dakota Wesleyan University showed why it's so highly regarded on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers had a hot-shooting start and went on to defeat College of Saint Mary 90-42 in Great Plains Athletic Conference basketball at the Lied Fitness Center.

DWU made 12 of its 18 first-quarter field-goal attempts en route to a 26-10 lead after one quarter. The Tigers led 52-25 at the half and improved to 17-4 overall and 13-2 in GPAC play.

"Offensively, we struggled scoring against them because of their length,'' CSM Coach Natalie Miller said. "We did a good job getting to the rim, but did not get a counter or cutter often enough.''

The Flames turned it over 25 times, leading to 35 DWU points. CSM dropped to 3-18 overall and 2-13 in GPAC play.

Haley Debuse led CSM with 13 points, hitting 3 of 6 from 3-point range. Madelyn Gaughen added nine points and five rebounds.

Miller noted that the Flames shot the ball well from beyond arc, hitting 6 of 17 (35.3%). CSM also made 8 of 9 free throws (88.9%).

"Defensively, we struggled guarding their post and rotating out of post doubles,'' Miller said. "Looking ahead to Senior Night, we want to focus on keeping our energy and ball movement up.''

CSM will celebrate Senior Night on Wednesday with a 6 p.m. home game against Doane University.