The Basics
Score: (RV) Montana Western 81 – Benedictine University at Mesa 36
Record: UMW (17-9, 12-8), BMU (11-2, 4-0) 
Location: Activity Center - Lewiston, Idaho 

The Bulldogs dominated the Benedictine Mesa Redhawks in all facets of the game to roll to a huge 81-36 opening round win Friday afternoon. Four Bulldogs scored in double figures as UMW shot 47.4 percent from the field, made 11 3-point field goals and forced 26 Redhawk turnovers and had 19 steals. The game started slowly, Benedictine Mesa held a 4-3 lead with four minutes remaining in the first quarter. Then the Bulldogs woke up, quickly taking a 19-7 lead after ten minutes of play, building  a 20 point advantage at halftime. UMW defense held the Redhawks to just 20 points through three quarters and just 26 percent shooting for the game. 

Top Performers

• Brynley Fitzgerald scored a game-high 21 points, seven rebounds, five steals and an assist. 
• Paige Holmes scored 14 points, seven rebounds,an assist and a steal.
• Shainy Mack scored 14 points, five steals and three rebounds.
• Jenni Weber scored 13 points, three rebounds and a steal. 
• Savanna Crockett had a 17 points 13 rebound double-double for the Redhawks. 
• Leah Goodman scored 10 points, four rebounds and four steals for Benedictine Mesa. 

  .
Inside the Box Score

• The Bulldogs won the battle of the boards 39-33
• Benedictine Mesa didn't make a 3-point shot until early in the fourth quarter. 

Up Next
The Bulldogs will face No. 4 Westmont College in the NAIA Opening Round Championship tomorrow, March 13. Tip-off from Lewiston, Idaho is set for 1 p.m.
The winner will advance to the round of 16 of the NAIA National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa March 18-24. 

 

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