BILLINGS – Rocky Mountain College shot just nine of 37 from the field in the second half, as the University of Science & Arts (Okla.) overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to defeat the Bears 60-52 in the first round of the NAIA Women’s National Championships Wednesday night at Rimrock Auto Arena.
Rocky led 25-18 after the first 20 minutes, holding USAO to just 21.4 percent shooting (6-28). The second half was a different story.
The Drovers made 14 of 25 from the floor, tying the game for the first time early in the fourth quarter at 41-41, and then taking their first lead on a Shaylynn Bass runner moments later. Bass finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds to lead USAO.
Alecia Chamberlain (4-of-7 shooting) was the only Rocky player to shoot better than 50 percent from the field (min. two attempts). Leading scorer Mikayla Jones was three of 12; Hailee Farstveet five of 14; and the Bears really struggled inside. Brooke Jones and Markaela Francis combined to shoot two of 17.
Mikayla Jones led Rocky with 16 points, while Farstveet added 11 in the seniors’ final collegiate game.
