Basketball Recap: Mahpiya Luta Skates Past Wagner with Ease

Crusaders

Margin (Wins)

02/20/25 @ Hot Springs	84
12/31/24 vs Little Wound	73
02/08/25 vs Lead-Deadwood	65
02/27/25 @ Pine Ridge	64
02/15/25 vs Douglas	55

It's playoff time, and Mahpiya Luta had no trouble coming through when it counted. They blew past the Wagner Red Raiders 76-37 on Thursday. The Crusaders have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 21 matches by 21 points or more this season.

It was another big night for Ashlan Carlow-Blount, who almost dropped a triple-double with 29 points, 12 boards, and nine steals. The contest was her sixth in a row with at least 18 points. Another player making a difference was Dorthie Mesteth, who posted seven points and three steals.

Mahpiya Luta smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in six consecutive games.

Mahpiya Luta's record is now 23-0. As for Wagner, they moved to 17-6 with that defeat, which also ended their five-game winning streak.

Mahpiya Luta does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Wagner, they and Sioux Valley will face off at 1:45 p.m. on Friday without much rest, having both just played. Sioux Valley knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with 55 points or more in their past ten matchups -- so hopefully Wagner likes a good challenge.