Rapid City, S.D. – The Black Hills State University women's basketball team dropped their first game of the S.D. School of Mines and Technology basketball tournament this afternoon to Morningside College. The Yellow Jackets were unable to keep the Mustang offense at bay as they fell by a final score of 58-69.

The Morningside Mustangs jumped out to an early lead to begin the first half as the Yellow Jackets struggled against the full court press. However, a hot shooting streak would pull Black Hills State back into the game prior to a last second buzzer-beater from Morningside to set the halftime score at 28-35. The Yellow Jackets cut down the turnovers in the second half, but were unable to put a stop to the hot hand of the opposition. Black Hills State finished the game with a total of 27 turnovers compared to just 12 by Morningside. The turnover spread was enough to make the eventual difference as the Yellow Jackets moved to 2-3 on the season with today's 58-69 loss.

The Yellow Jackets were led by senior guard Kristi Ryan who had a strong performance on both sides of the floor. Ryan finished the contest with 17 points, nine of which came from behind the arc. Ryan also served as the team's defensive stopper as she recorded eight rebound, two blocks , and two steals. Black Hills State also had significant contributions from freshmen Chelsey Biegler and Cassidy Kotelman. Each of the true freshmen recorded nine points a piece.

The Yellow Jacket women will close out their tournament games tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m. MT as they take on Lindenwood University at the Goodell Gymnasium in Rapid City, S.D.

For more information about Yellow Jacket athletics visit BHSUAthletics.com