Jeltema, Pike Lead Oakland Past North Dakota State

FARGO, N.D.--Jessica Pike nailed a career best six three-pointers for 24 points and Melissa Jeltema posted her fifth 'double-double' of the season with 22 points and 13 rebounds to lead Oakland University to a convincing 75-54 victory over North Dakota State University in a Summit League women's basketball game played Monday, Feb. 2, before 736 fans in the Bison Sports Arena. North Dakota State (9-10, 7-4 Summit) is scheduled to play at IUPUI (11-11, 6-5 Summit) at 3:30 p.m. (Central) on Saturday, Feb. 7, in Indianapolis. Jeltema scored 13 of her career tying 22 points in the first half as Oakland (17-5, 9-2 Summit) raced out 21-8 lead in the game's first nine minutes. OU had 13 offensive rebounds overall that led to 15 second chance points. Jeltema made 9 of 11 field goal attempts and all four free throws. The Golden Grizzlies led 37-22 at halftime. The Bison didn't threaten in the second half. OU's biggest lead was 73-48 with 2:09 remaining on Pike's sixth three-pointer of the contest. Her 24 points matched a season-high.  Pike made 6 of 8 from beyond the three-point stripe. Oakland connected on 47.4 percent from the field including 6 of 9 from three-point for 66.7 percent. The Golden Grizzlies made 15 of 16 free throws for 93.8 percent and outrebounded NDSU 38-25. Katie Birkel led the Bison with 14 points, four rebounds and tied a career-high with four steals. Jill Zaruba flirted with a second straight 'double-double' with 11 points and nine rebounds, while Skye Smith came off the bench to score 12 points. North Dakota State made 38.8 percent from the field overall including 1 of 8 from three-point. The Bison connected on 15 of 18 from the free throw line. NDSU committed 18 turnovers that led to 18 points for the Golden Grizzlies.