BISMARCK, N.D. – Bismarck State women's basketball was back at the BSC Armory on Saturday evening for a Frontier Conference matchup with Montana Western, and the Mystics delivered one of their strongest performances of the season in an 87–74 victory.
Bismarck State (2-11, 2-7 Frontier) wasted little time finding its rhythm offensively, leaning heavily on the three-point shot early. The Mystics knocked down seven triples in the opening quarter and used the hot shooting start to build a 28–20 lead after one.
The momentum carried into the second quarter as BSC continued to stretch the floor and attack off turnovers. The Mystics shot 50 percent from the field in the period and added another 22 points to take a 50–36 advantage into halftime.
Montana Western (6-7, 4-5) responded coming out of the break, putting together its best stretch of the night in the third quarter. The Bulldogs shot 50 percent from the field in the period and outscored BSC 25–18 to cut the deficit to seven heading into the final 10 minutes.
Any hopes of a comeback were short-lived, however, as the Mystics answered with timely perimeter shooting and defensive pressure in the fourth. Bismarck State connected on four three-pointers in the final period and forced key turnovers down the stretch to regain control, building a lead as large as 17 points with under five minutes remaining.
"I loved our response in the fourth quarter," head coach Jason Harris said. "They (Montana Western) made a strong push after halftime, but our group stayed composed, trusted each other, and made plays on both ends when it mattered most."
Kennedy Stormer led the way for the Mystics, finishing with 26 points while adding eight rebounds and nine assists. Aleah McPherson followed with 19 points, knocking down five three-pointers, while Alionna Lawrence chipped in 17 points. Ashley Martodam scored 10 points, and Natalie DeCoteau provided a spark off the bench with six points and a game-high 12 rebounds.
Bismarck State finished the night 17-of-44 from beyond the arc and converted 27 points off 22 Montana Western turnovers.
Isabella Lund led the Bulldogs with 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Bailee Sayler added 14 points off the bench, and Keke Davis finished with 13.
The Mystics will continue Frontier Conference play next week as they look to build on Saturday's victory when they host another Frontier Conference weekend doubleheader. They welcome No. 4-ranked Dakota State (12-3, 7-2) on Friday, Jan. 9, for a 5 p.m. tip-off. The Trojans will be seeking vengeance as they look to prove they still belong at the top of the rankings after back-to-back losses to No. 24 Carroll and No. 17 Rocky Mountain.
The following day, Saturday, Jan. 10, the Mystics welcome Bellevue (6-8, 5-7) to the Armory for another 5 p.m. game.
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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