Spearfish, S.D. – The Black Hills State University women's basketball team collided with rival South Dakota School of Mines tonight at the Donald E. Young Center. The Yellow Jackets were persistent throughout as they came from behind in the second half to defeat the Hardrockers 58-46 to move to 11-12 on the season.

Both teams jumped out to a slow start in the first half as each team struggled with turnovers. The Yellow Jackets turned the ball over 11 times in the first frame and shot a dismal 19% (4-21) from the floor. Black Hills State did however keep themselves in the contest with a 90% (9-10) effort from the free throw line. The Yellow Jackets entered the halftime break trailing 17-23 behind sophomore Jordan Kent and freshman Chelsey Biegler who each netter four points in the first half.

The Yellow Jackets looked like a much different team in the second half as they came out poised and confident. The Yellow Jackets closed the gap as they continued to find their way to the foul line throughout the second half. Black Hills State shot 73% (31-42) from the foul line in the game as South Dakota Tech racked up 26 team fouls. The Yellow Jackets were able to tie the game at 44-44 with 3:57 remaining in the second half before going on a 9-0 run and finishing off the Hardrockers in the 58-46 final.

The Black Hills State women were ignited by Morgan Mines who went off for 14 points from the bench. Mines showed her impact as she knocked down two three-point buckets and reeled in nine rebounds. The Yellow Jackets were also supported largely by senior point guard Bayley Chevron who made an enormous contribution. Chevron finished the contest with seven points, six assists, and four steals while recording no turnovers. Senior Kristi Ryan also picked up 12 points for Black Hills State, all of which came from the charity stripe. Sophomore Jordan Kent, who was the team's scoring leader at half, finished the game with 11 points, six boards, three steals and two blocks on the evening.

"This was one of those rivalry games that you love to see as a coach," said head coach Mark Nore. "Although things did not go our way in the first half, we battled and kept ourselves in a position to win. When the time came, we had a number of players step up and make the big plays that we needed to get the victory."

The Yellow Jackets will play their final home game of the 2011-2012 season on Friday night as they host former DAC conference opponent Dakota State. The Yellow Jackets will look to stretch their home win streak to two as they tip off at 5:30 p.m. MT.

For more information on Yellow Jacket Athletics visit www.BHSUAthletics.com