BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana Western women's basketball program (7-12, 5-10 FC) was clipped by #23 Rocky Mountain 79-67 Friday evening.
The Bulldogs were within striking distance through three quarters before the Battlin' Bears created the separation they needed over the final 10 minutes of action.
STAT BREAKDOWN
UMW shot 44.6 percent (25-56) from the field, 43.5 percent (10-23) from beyond the arc, and 63.6 percent (7-11) from the foul line.
Western earned 24 rebounds, 16 assists, six steals, and two blocks.
The Bulldogs posted 28 points in the paint, 14 points off turnovers, two second-chance points, and 30 bench points.
LEADERBOARD
Bailee Sayler went off for a team-high 20 points, followed by
Maile Wilcox with 13.
Wilcox grabbed a team-best eight boards.
Isabella Lund posted a team-best four assists.
Wilcox and
Keke Davis each snagged two steals and earned a block in the game.
NOTABLES
Wilcox posted a career-high in rebounds
Sayler dropped 20 points for the second-time this season.
The Bulldogs registered double figures in assists for the fifth straight game and 16th time on the year.
GAME SUMMARY
The Bulldogs started out on the front foot and led for most of the opening 10 minutes. They held a two-point advantage, 15-13, at the end of the period.
Western scored a quick three on its first possession of the second frame to go up five before the Battlin' Bears pulled into the lead with a three of their own halfway through the quarter. The hosts led by seven, 34-27, at the break.
UMW shot 37.0 percent (10-27) from the floor, 33.3 percent (4-12) from deep, and 60.0 percent (3-5) from the charity stripe over the first 20 minutes and tallied 14 rebounds, six assists, four steals, and one block.
The Bulldogs scored the first seven points of the second half to knot the score at 34, but Rocky was able to get its lead back to six, 51-45, with 10 minutes remaining.
The Bears pulled away in the fourth, leading by as many as 14 before taking the 12-point win.
THE OPPOSITION
Rocky Mountain shot 44.4 percent (28-63) from the field, 40.7 percent (11-27) from three, and 57.1 percent (12-21) from the line. The Battlin' Bears registered 34 rebounds, 16 assists, 10 steals, and 1 block. Paige Wasson led the game with 28 points, followed by Brenna Linse (19), and Angelina Cavanaugh (12). Isabelle Heggem pulled down a game-best 13 rebounds while also leading in assists (six) and posting the lone block of the game for Rocky. Wasson snagged a game-high three steals.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Bulldogs are back in action tomorrow when they take on (RV) Carroll. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. MT.
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.
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