Spearfish, S.D. – The Black Hills State University women's basketball team defeated former DAC conference opponent Dakota State 51-39 to improve to 12-12 on the season. The Yellow Jackets defeated the Trojans behind a solid defensive effort Friday evening at the Donald E. Young Center in the final home game of the 2011-2012 regular season.

The Yellow Jackets held the Trojans to just 16 first half points to take a 21-16 lead into intermission. The Black Hills State defense was swarming as they held Dakota State to just 31% from the floor, 22% from behind the arc and 50% from the charity stripe. The Yellow Jackets forced 25 Dakota State turnovers and recorded 11 steals. Although Black Hills State struggled from behind the arc, they were able to work the ball inside off of the dribble and pick up high-percentage points from the paint. The Yellow Jackets outscored the Trojans by a 30-23 margin the in second half to pull away for the eventual 12 point win.

Black Hills State was fittingly led by their two seniors, Bayley Chevron and Kristi Ryan, who played their final game in the Donald E. Young Center scoring 11 (5-10) points and eight points (2-10) respectively. Ryan also pulled down a team high eight rebounds. Sophomore Jordan Kent added nine points (3-6) for the Yellow Jackets and rejected three shots on the defensive end.

The Yellow Jackets will finish their season as they travel to Costa Rica on February 29 and March 1, game times are scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.

For more information on Black Hills State University Athletics visit BHSUAthletics.com