Spearfish, SD – Despite three cold quarters, the Black Hills State University women's basketball team were able to put up a strong defensive stand to overcome the Western Colorado Mountaineers 49-47. WCU quickly put up a 9-0 lead on BHSU, and at one point, led by 15 points, and were never behind the Yellow Jackets until a three-pointer by Racquel Wientjes in the final minutes of the game elevated the Green and Gold. The Yellow Jackets now move to 7-4 on the season and 4-2 in conference play.
 
The first half was rough for the Yellow Jackets as they had to bust some rust from the holiday break. As a team, they were shooting 20 percent from the field and only made one three pointer. 11 good free throws kept the Green and Gold alive and they only trailed by eight at half.
 
The Jackets came back after half shooting substantially better making forty percent of their buckets from the field, putting up 15 points and narrowing the gap on the Mountaineers lead. In an impressive fourth quarter stand, entering with a seven point deficit and never once holding the lead in the game, the Green and Gold defense absolutely shut down the Mountaineers offense allowing only 3 points.
 
Morgan Ham was the only Yellow Jacket to reach double digits with 10 points. Katie Messler and Ashlee Beacom lead the defensive stand posting seven and six rebounds respectively.
 
The Yellow Jackets continue their homestand tomorrow against Colorado Mesa University. Tip off is scheduled for 4:00pm.