Top-seeded Dakota State built a double-digit first-quarter lead, but second-seeded Montana Tech stormed back to beat the Trojans 76-72 in the Frontier Conference women’s basketball championship Monday evening.
Dakota State came out firing, shooting 52.9 percent in the opening quarter and knocking down five three-pointers to build up a 31-17 advantage after 10 minutes.
Cierra Watkins was dominant early, attacking the paint and cleaning up on the glass. The Trojans’ defense also forced early turnovers that led to transition opportunities, helping DSU push the margin to as many as 19 points late in the quarter.
Montana Tech responded in the second quarter behind Brooke Badovinac and Liv Wangerin. The Orediggers shot 57.1 percent in the period and outscored Dakota State 22-15 to trim the deficit to 46-39 at halftime.
Montana Tech carried its momentum into the third quarter, outscoring DSU 19-15. The Orediggers’ defensive pressure increased, and Dakota State struggled to find rhythm offensively.
The final 10 minutes featured multiple lead changes. Watkins drained a critical three-pointer midway through the quarter to give DSU a 64-60 edge, but Montana Tech answered immediately with baskets from Badovinac and Wangerin.
With just over four minutes remaining, Watkins converted free throws to push the Trojans back in front at 71-68, but Montana Tech capitalized on offensive rebounds and clutch interior finishes to regain control.
In the final two minutes, the Orediggers converted key free throws and defensive stops to seal the 76-72 victory. Montana Tech closed the game with an 8-0 run in the final 2:38.
Cierra Watkins led DSU with a career-high 22 points , while adding another career-high of 14 rebounds for a double-double.
Bria Wasmund added 15 points, and Tabor Teel added 11.
Brooke Badovinac led all scorers with 21 points for Montana Tech
Dakota State returns home next weekend as they host the NAIA Women’s Basketball First and Second Round. It will be the third straight year that DSU will be hosting the national tournament. DSU will be hosting a watch party at the Beacom PREMIER Complex in the Heartland Room at 6 p.m. Thursday.
