LAKEWOOD, CO- The Cougars closed their conference slate for the year 2024 with a home matchup against Black Hills State on Saturday afternoon. CCU played good basketball and led for a large portion of the game, but the Yellowjackets managed to claim the 77-70 victory in the end. 

Hayley Luther came out hot with a three-pointer, and Elise Grosdidier connected on a jumper for a 5-2 lead. A Luther jumper and three from Nicole Bowlin forced a BHSU timeout with the Cougars leading 10-2. Bowlin stayed on fire from beyond the arc as she drilled two more threes for a 16-8 lead. Luther hit another three to make it 19-10, and a late Grosdidier jumper sent the Cougars to the end of the quarter leading 21-17. 

The Yellowjackets hung around and stayed close throughout the second quarter, but Jenna Kendall connected from downtown for a 26-20 lead while Victoria Perez hit a three to keep the lead at six. Heading to the half, CCU held a 35-32 advantage over the visitors. 

The two teams continued to entertain their fans as a back and forth battle ensued in the second half. With 6 minutes to go in the third quarter, BHSU took their first lead of the game at 43-42, but a Mia Guest three pushed the lead for the hosts to four at 49-45. Bowlin continued her stellar play as she put up a three at the buzzer and sank the shot to fire up the crowd and give her team a 54-51 lead heading to the final frame. 

Black Hills State found new life offensively in the fourth quarter as they streaked to a six point lead. They continued to widen the gap as the offense was unstoppable down low, and in the end they pulled away for a 77-70 victory. 

Bowlin paced the offense with 19 points and 6 rebounds, and Luther and Perez tallied 15 and 12 points respectively. CCU shot the ball well from beyond the arc, hitting 11 three-pointers throughout the game. 

CCU continues play at home on December 19 as they take on Bethany College (Kan.) at 5 p.m. MST.