Dillon, Mont. - The ninth ranked University of Montana Western Bulldogs (4-0, 1-0) opened the Frontier Conference play with 60-47 win over Lewis-Clark State College (9-2, 1-1).

Cierra Lamey recorded her first double-double of the season and third of her career, scoring 10 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Britt Cooper added 15 points and Brianna King scored 19 to lead the Bulldogs to a big conference win over the Warriors.

The two teams battled through a tough opening ten minutes as they struggled to score. Paige Holmes hit back-to-back 3-pointers to help the Bulldogs open a 17-10 lead after the first quarter. 

It was more of the same in the second quarter, strong defense, and shots that wouldn't drop, both teams were a combined 3-24 from beyond the arc in the first half. The Bulldogs held a slim 24-18 lead heading into the intermission. 

LC State began to chip away at the Bulldog lead in the third quarter, cutting the lead to just two-points a couple minutes into the quarter. Then, in a blink of an eye, the Bulldog offense exploded. Scoring 30 points in the remaining eight minutes. Brianna King took over as she scored 12 of her 17 points, dished out two assists, and had a steal during a five minute span. Aided by the defense that forced five steals and numerous bad shots, the Bulldogs were able to pull away. 

LC State held the Bulldogs to just three made field-goals in the fourth quarter, but the damage was already done and the Warriors were unable to recover from the third quarter outburst. 

Both teams struggled to get shots to fall, LC state shot just 28 percent from the floor and 8 percent from beyond the arc. Connecting on just 2 of 24 long-range shots. The Warriors were led by Jossilyn Blackman's 11 points and six rebounds. 

The Bulldogs were slightly better from floor, shooting 39 percent overall and 23 percent from downtown. The Bulldogs defense forced 19 turnovers and came away with 11 steals. 

The Bulldogs have a quick break as they will make the short drive up I-15 to face Montana Tech on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.