MADISON, S.D. — Bismarck State (N.D.) was dealt a 117-56 defeat at the hands of No. 6 Dakota State (S.D.) Friday at the DSU Fieldhouse, closing out the regular season before the two programs meet again next week in the Frontier Conference Tournament.
The Mystics (9-18, 9-13 Frontier Conference) struggled from the opening tip, committing eight turnovers in the first quarter alone as the Trojans jumped out to a 29-11 lead they would never relinquish. BSC shot just 28.6% in the opening period and never found a consistent offensive rhythm, finishing the night at 26.3% from the field and 9.3% from three on 4-of-43 attempts.
Kennedy Stormer led the Mystics with 21 points and nine rebounds in 35 minutes, doing her best to keep BSC competitive against one of the conference's premier programs. Harper Harris provided a lift off the bench with seven points and seven rebounds, and Alionna Lawrence added nine points.
The deficit grew as Dakota State converted Bismarck State's miscues into easy opportunities, scoring 23 points off the Mystics' 19 turnovers and adding 36 fast-break points. BSC was also out-rebounded 55-47 on the night.
Bright spots were few but present. Piper Harris drew contact consistently, going 6-of-10 from the free throw line for six points, and the Mystics showed fight in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Trojans' reserves down the stretch.
The loss does little to alter BSC's postseason trajectory. The Mystics enter the Frontier Conference Tournament as the eighth seed, where they will face the top-seeded Trojans once again. The tournament begins February 27 in Butte, Mont with the two teams set to face off in the 1 p.m. CT game to begin the opening round.
Check out the women's schedule for information on how to follow and watch the team.
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