In this case the Bulldogs started off well, but couldn't sustain momentum and the Blue Hawks almost made them pay for it.

The Blue Hawks took control of the boards helping DSU build an eight-point lead and holding that lead through the second and third quarters. The Bulldogs tightened up defensively and played their best basketball when they needed it, late in the game.

Clutch shooting late in the fourth quarter from Sierra Bignell (Avon, Mont.), Kaye Bignell (Helena, Mont.), Anise Palmore (Santa, Monica, Calif.), and Jill Jacobs (Camano Island, Wash.) allowed the Bulldogs to escape with a nine-point victory and their best start since 2006 when they went 15-0.

Palmore finished with 18 points, including four huge free throws in the final minute to ice the game for the Bulldogs. She also added six assists, and six rebounds. Kaye Bignell had 15 points and six boards. Cierra Lamey (Wise River, Mont.) pulled down nine rebounds. 

The Bulldogs will pay the University of Calgary Dec. 30 at 1:30 P.M. in their final game of the Green and Gold Classic.