Dillon, Mont. – In a battle of two nationally ranked teams, The No. 22 ranked Montana Western Bulldogs (18-5, 7-5) fell to No. 11 MSU-Northern Skylights (18-5, 8-4) 57-51 Saturday night in the Straugh Gymnasium. 

The two teams traded punches, and neither team could gain the uperhand as there were 16 lead changes and 13 ties in the contest. 

Senior Aniese Palmore (Santa Monica, Calif.) carried the Bulldogs against the Skylights, scoring a career high 29 points. However it wasn't enough, as the Bulldogs got out scored 11-2 in the final four minutes of a closely fought contest.  

Once again poor free throw shooting hurt the Bulldogs as they went just 4-11 from the line. 

Savanna Bignell (Avon, Mont.) scored nine points off the bench. She left the game midway through the fourth quarter, after taking a hard foul on a fast break. Kaye Bignell (Avon, Mont.) scored six points and had six rebounds.  

The Bulldogs travel to Helena on Tuesday Feb. 7 to take on the Fighting Saints. Tip-off is set for 5:30 P.M.