BELLEVUE, Neb. – The Montana Western women's basketball program (7-9, 5-7 FC) fell 58-57 to Bellevue (8-9, 4-8 FC) Friday evening.
The Bulldogs led by as many as 12 early in the third quarter, but the Bruins slowly clawed their way back, taking the lead with 10 seconds remaining in the contest.
STAT BREAKDOWN
Western shot 29.5 percent (18-61) from the floor, 29.3 percent (11-28) from three, and 71.4 percent (10-14) from the foul line.
The Bulldogs recorded 29 rebounds, 15 assists, 17 steals, and two blocks in the contest.
They tallied 12 points in the paint, 20 points off turnovers, 11 second chance points, and four fast-break points.
LEADERBOARD
Tayva Phillips led the team in both points (11) and steals (seven).
Kyle Pancost pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.
Isabella Lund dished out a game-best five assists.
Pancost and
Brooke Deyak each swatted a block.
NOTABLES
Western forced a season-high 27 turnovers from the Bruins.
The Bulldogs tallied 17 steals, the second highest total of the season.
Phillips posted season highs in both points and steals.
Lund tallied five assists for the fifth time on the year.
GAME SUMMARY
It was a defensive ball game at the start, with neither side able to open up a steady lead. The Bulldogs took the lead mid-way through the first quarter through a Deyak three, and led by three, 15-12, at the break.
Western turned up the heat offensively in the second frame, draining six three-pointers on its way to a 38-29 halftime lead. Bellach was responsible for three of those deep shots and led the team with nine points after 20 minutes.
UMW shot 40.0 percent (12-30) from the field, 50.0 percent (8-16) from downtown, and 75.0 percent (6-8) from the foul line in the first half while registering 15 rebounds, 10 assists, and eight steals.
The Bruins came out stronger after the break, cutting the Bulldogs lead to just two, 47-45, heading into the final 10 minutes.
Though Western battled hard in the fourth, two late free throws by the hosts turned the tide in their favor, and Bellevue took the narrow victory.
THE OPPOSITION
Bellevue shot 43.6 percent (17-39) from the floor, 40.0 percent (8-20) from three, and 76.2 percent (16-21) from the foul line. The Bruins registered 40 rebounds, 11 assists, nine steals, and two blocks. Zakiyyah Muhammad led all players in both points (13) and rebounds (12). Drasoni Kyles and Karoline Ellison tied for the team-high in assists with four apiece. Ellison also posted a team-best five steals. Kyles and Joy Beran each posted a block.
LOOKING AHEAD
Montana Western returns to action tomorrow when they face off at #7 Dakota State. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. MT/ 5 p.m. CT.
For complete coverage of UMW Women's Basketball, be sure to follow us on social media at @umw_wbb (Instagram), @umw_wbb (X), and @Montana Western Athletics (Facebook) or visit our official website at UMWBulldogs.com.
#GOBULLDOGS
