CHANDLER, Ariz.—The Montana Western Bulldogs (8-3, 1-1) barely pulled off a win against the MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers (5-5, 3-1) in their opening game of the Cactus Classic.
 
The Bulldogs started the first quarter with a strong game in the paint, scoring 12 of their 15 points down low. Down by three at the start of the second, the Pioneers edged their way ahead of the Bulldogs. The two teams tied scores six times in the second quarter, ending the first half tied, 30-30.
 
Montana Western's 20-point third quarter left MidAmerica Nazarene down by nine to start the fourth. However, the Bulldogs' momentum did not carry into the final quarter of the game—they were only 25 percent from the field (two of eight) and zero percent from the arc (zero of three). Montana Western held a two-point lead with six seconds left in play, 58-56. The Pioneers sent Sydney Sheridan to the foul line where she was two of two. On the final possession, MidAmerica Nazarene made a 3-pointer to finish regulation one point behind the Bulldogs, 59-60.
 
"[The] kids played extremely hard tonight and rebounded from a tough loss," coach Lindsay Woolley said. "It was fun watching them!"
 
Inside the Box Score

• The Pioneers blocked the Bulldogs seven times.
• Brynley Fitzgerald led the Bulldogs with a double-double—17 points and 11 rebounds—and added three steals.
• Mesa King added a season-high 15 points and dished out four assists for the Bulldogs.
• TrEl'Shawn Smith scored 14 points for the Pioneers.

 
The Bulldogs play tomorrow at 2 p.m. against No. 17 Dakota State in the Cactus Classic.
 
 
Please check the website regularly for up-to-date schedules​.

All Bulldog Athletics home events can be streamed at www.bulldogsports.com/watch
 
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