SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Yellow Jackets defeated New Mexico Highlands, 83-64, on Friday night.  Black Hills State moves to a 7-5 conference record, and 11-5 overall.
 
Freshman Morgan Koepsell led Black Hills State with 24 points and brought down 11 boards. Koepsell recorded her first double-double and a new career and season-high in points and rebounds.
 
The Green and Gold attacked early, using a 13-3 run to lead New Mexico Highlands in the first quarter.   Using the momentum, the Yellow Jackets kept their stride to lead, 27-19, led by six straight points from Koepsell.  As the Cowgirls made their way down the court, Coretz Standing Bear stole the ball to head back for a layup of her own.   With 2:11 left in the second quarter, Abby Switzer scored to push the Green and Gold ahead, 38-33, at the half.
 
The Yellow Jackets took command in the third quarter and held on for the remainder of the game. A three-pointer by Dylan Wright kept the rhythm for BHSU. Ashlee Beacom shot beyond the arc to help seal the deal, as the Green and Gold ultimately won.
 
Jordyn Lewis led the Cowgirls with 25 points, making five three-pointers. Allyah George and Kish Chandler brought down five boards each to lead New Mexico Highlands.
 
BHSU shot 44.7 percent from the field (34-for-76), while NMHU was 39.6 percent from the floor (21-for-53). The Yellow Jackets were 8-for-26 (30.8 percent) from beyond the arc, while the Cowgirls were 9-for-21 (42.9 percent) on three-pointers. BHSU was 7-for-11 (63.6 percent) from the charity stripe, and NMHU was 13-for-19 (68.4 percent) from the free throw line. The Green and Gold outrebounded New Mexico Highlands, 52-28.
 
BHSU will be back in action to host CSU-Pueblo on January 26, for the Kenadi Jean Weis Foundation night.  A special start time is set for 5 p.m. on Saturday against the Thunderwolves.