BISMARCK, N.D. – Bismarck State women's basketball returned to the BSC Armory on Saturday evening to close out their four-game conference home stand against Bellevue (Neb.), and the Mystics closed out the weekend with an 81–73 victory.
Bismarck State (3-12, 3-8 Frontier) set the tone early, shooting 50 percent from the field in the opening quarter and using balanced scoring to take a 24–21 lead after one. The Mystics knocked down four three-pointers in the period and showed patience offensively as the teams traded momentum throughout the first 10 minutes.
The Mystics gained separation in the second quarter behind improved defensive pressure and efficient free-throw shooting. BSC shot 46.7 percent from the floor and went a perfect 8-for-8 at the line in the period, outscoring Bellevue 25–18 to carry a 49–39 advantage into halftime.
Bellevue (7-9, 3-8) responded coming out of the break, leaning on its inside game to mount a third-quarter push. The Bruins shot 43.8 percent in the period and outscored Bismarck State 20–13 to cut the deficit to six heading into the final quarter.
Any momentum Bellevue built was answered in the fourth as the Mystics stayed composed down the stretch. Bismarck State went 10-of-15 from the free-throw line in the final 10 minutes and held Bellevue to just 31.3 percent shooting in the quarter to secure the eight-point win.
"I was proud of how we handled that third-quarter run," head coach Jason Harris said. "They (Bellevue) are a very good team, but our group stayed locked in defensively and did a great job closing it out at the free-throw line."
Kennedy Stormer led Bismarck State with 25 points while playing all 40 minutes, adding six rebounds and five assists. Piper Harris followed with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Natalie DeCoteau provided a spark off the bench with 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting. Alionna Lawrence added nine points, and Aleah McPherson chipped in eight, including a pair of three-pointers.
Bismarck State finished the night shooting 40 percent from the field and forced 13 Bellevue turnovers, converting those opportunities into 16 points.
Zakiyyah Muhammad led Bellevue with a game-high 31 points and 10 rebounds. Karoline Ellison added 10 points, while Taylee Wharton scored nine off the bench.
The Mystics will continue Frontier Conference play next weekend as they hit the road for a pair of in-state matchups with Valley City State (5-10, 2-9) and Mayville State (1-14, 0-11) on Jan. 16 and 17, respectively. Both games tip off at 5 p.m.
Check out the women's schedule for information on how to follow and watch the team during their upcoming games.
Be sure to visit BSCMystics.com and download the MysticNation app to continue to stay up to date with everything going on in Mystic Athletics.
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