BILLINGS – The Billings West Lady Bears started fast and had just enough gas in the tank to finish off Bozeman, 44-39, Tuesday night in the Golden Dome.
West jumped out to a 14-2 lead after the first quarter, but Bozeman began to chip away midway through the second. The Hawks pulled within 23-16 at halftime, and an Alex Carey layup made it a two-point game, 29-27, with 2:45 to play in the third.
Strong play from both sets of West twins pushed the lead back. Maddie and Willa Albrecht connected for several baskets in the paint, while TyRaa and TyLee Manuel forced Bozeman into multiple turnovers.
West moves to 5-1, 1-0 with the win, while Bozeman falls to 2-5, 0-1. West plays its first Crosstown Classic game of the season Friday against Billings Skyview at Rimrock Auto Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. with the boys game following at 7:30 p.m.
