SPEARFISH, S.D.—Black Hills State University women's basketball welcomed CSU-Pueblo to the Young Center in game two of their four-game home stand on Saturday evening. The Thunderwolves have seen their fare share of struggles of late, limping to a 2-4 record since Christmas break. 

The Thunderwolves built a shade of momentum Friday night with a 72-58 victory at Chadron State College. CSU-Pueblo is led by center Katie Nehf, who comes into the contest averaging 11.8 points per game. She netted 20 points in the Thunderwolves victory on Friday night. 

The Yellow Jackets contained Nehf, but that didn't result in a victory as they fell to CSU-Pueblo 75-51. BHSU falls to 10-7, 8-5 RMAC while CSU-Pueblo improves to 10-7, 8-5 RMAC.

The opening five minutes of the game was all Yellow Jackets as they jumped out to an 8-4 lead with 17:05 left in the first half, thanks to pull up three-pointers from Chelsey Biegler and Dakota Barrie. However, CSU-Pueblo responded and never let BHSU take the lead for the rest of the game.

Back-to-Back three pointers from Angie Moore and Shannon Peterson gave the Thunderwolves a 10-8 lead with 15:20 left in the first half. CSU-Pueblo followed that with a 19-10 run en route to a 29-18 lead with 5:40 left in the first half. 

BHSU responded with a three straight layups from Chelsey Biegler and Courtney Patterson to narrow the Thunderwolves' lead to 29-24 with 2:41 left in the first half. However, CSU-Pueblo closed out the first half with a 7-2 run, extending their lead to 36-26 at halftime. 

The Yellow Jackets couldn't seem to orchestrate any offense during the opening minutes of the second half. The Thunderwolves capitalized on that with a 7-0 run to open the second half, making the score 43-26 with 16:45 left in the second half.

BHSU needed to ignite a spark and Bailey Kusser did just that.  She nailed back-to-back three pointers to pull the Yellow Jackets within 11 points at 43-32 with 14:43 left in the second half.  

The Yellow Jackets followed that with an 8-0 run, led by Courtney Patterson's three layups to make the score 43-40 with 12:06 left in the second half.  After BHSU and CSU-Pueblo traded baskets to make the score 45-42 at the ten minute mark, the Thunderwolves took control for the balance of the game.  

CSU-Pueblo closed out the contest with a 30-9 run, giving them a 75-51 victory. The Yellow Jackets held CSU-Pueblo star Katie Nehf to eight points and five rebounds. 

The Yellow Jackets will return to the Young Center next Friday when they take on Regis (Colo.). Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.