Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information photo credit Terri Haverfield
DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western women's basketball team (14-11, 6-6) got back in the win column tonight after they defeated the MSU-Northern Skylights (10-15, 4-8) in a home contest by a final score of 69-57.
"After a rough start, our team did a great job of keeping their composure and moving the ball offensively. I am proud of how they continued to hunt great shots and fly around on defense." Head Coach Britt Cooper said.
The Bulldogs were hot from the arc, shooting a 46.2 percentage and hit a total of 12 from the line.
How it Happened
The Bulldog women took the edge early at 11-7, benefitting from a quick five points from Jordan Sweeney in the first four minutes of the game.
The early Bulldog magic slowed, with the Skylights taking their own jabs and fighting out to a 19-14 lead at the end of the first behind a 53.8 quarter shooting percentage.
Despite the deficit, Montana Western found their groove once again after Joelnell Momberg hit a three at a shot clock buzzer. She followed with a jumper and tied the game at 24 with six minutes to play in the half.
The Skylights continued to put the pressure on with a strong defensive front, but Payton Hagy broke the scoring lull with a triple. Kyla Momberg followed and flipped the lead back in favor of the Red and Black and the Bulldogs were able to take a 34-30 lead into the half break.
Hot shooting coupled with a rough start for the Skylights at the start of the third helped Western to a 52-43 lead heading into the final frame.
Momberg's pair of threes was enough to put the Bulldogs over the edge down the stretch and the Bulldog women rode to a 69-57 win over the Skylights.
Notables
The Bulldog women outshot the Skylights 46.4 to 36.5 percent from the line.
UMW totaled just seven turnovers in the game, their fifth straight game recording single-digits in turnovers.
Sweeney hit five three-pointers in the game, leading the Bulldogs with 23 points. She also added four assists and four rebounds.
Momberg and Shainy Mack also found themselves in double-digits. Momberg totaled 18 points on a three for four performance from the arc. Mack also hit three triples, going three for eight from the line.
Keke Davis and Kyla Momberg led on the boards, totaling six rebounds apiece.
Up Next
Montana Western will hit the road this Saturday for a big top-25 matchup with the no. 14 ranked Providence. Tip-off is Saturday, February 17 at 2:00 pm MT.
