Argos Top Bulldogs In Frontier Conference Tournament Semifinal

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The Montana Western women's basketball team (17-13, 8-7) lost in tonight's Frontier Conference tournament semifinal matchup against the No. 14 ranked University of Providence by a final score of 79-68.

After trailing just one point at the halfway point, the Bulldogs were outshot 62.5 percent to 41.3 percent from the field. The Argos knocked down five key threes down the stretch to push them ahead.

How it Happened

Jordan Sweeney and Joelnell Momberg connected on back-to-back threes to give Western the early edge in the ball game. With another triple from Sweeney, the Bulldogs took an 11-5 advantage in the first three minutes of the game.

UP's Maddy Dixon tied the game at 11 and Keanna Salave'a added to the lead to get UP on top at 19-13. With just a few seconds remaining in the first, Momberg hit from the arc and brought the ballgame back within three heading into the second quarter.

With 7:52 left until the end of the second half, Shainy Mack hit a triple and tied the game at 21 and the two teams would continue to battle for position through the half with the Argos taking a narrow 35-34 lead into the break.

Kyla Momberg started the second half out on a strong note after she made a contested layup and hit the and one to reclaim the lead for Western.

The Argos got back out to a six-point lead when Ashlee Maldonado hit for three with five minutes on the clock. Sweeney swung right back and led in a 5-0 run. Joelnell Momberg followed with her third three-pointer of the contest and UMW tied the game at 52.

The Argos created space heading into the fourth quarter following a 7-0 run and took a 61-54 lead that kept them out in front for the remainder of the game. The Argos went on to hit three of seven from the arc in the final minutes and take the game 79-68.

Notables

• The Bulldog women were two free throws shy of a perfect night at the charity stripe. They went 13-15 from the line, compared to the Argos who missed nine free throw attempts.

• UMW totaled just nine turnovers in the game and they were able to pick up 14 points off of Argo turnovers.

• Sweeney led all scorers with 26 points, an impressive five assists, and three rebounds. She also added a pair of steals.

• Joelnell Momberg followed with 14 points with a three for five performance from the arc, four rebounds, and two assists.

• Mack was also a key in tonight's game after she scored 10 points and had an assist.
  

Final Notes

The Bulldogs cap their tournament run with a final record of 17-13 and a conference record of 8-7 after a tremendous tournament effort.