HAVRE, Mont. – Erin Legel scored 25 points against the top-ranked defense in the NAIA but couldn't lead the Lady Argos to victory in a 73-53 loss to (2) Montana State-Northern.

The first two quarters saw Great Falls keep within striking distance of MSUN. Their defense held the Skylights to just 11 first quarter points and a strong 18 points for UGF in the second quarter kept the game within six at the half. That 18-point quarter was the highest scoring portion of the game for the Lady Argos against MSUN's stifling defense.

"I thought we did a good job in the first half and after that we just struggled a little bit," head coach Bill Himmelberg said.

While UGF stayed about even with the Skylights in rebounding, steals, and team fouls the Lady Argo's 34 percent shooting and 13 turnovers led to a scoring deficit that increased in the final two quarters. The Northern defense also held UGF's leading scorer, Nneka Nnadi, to three points and just two shot attempts.

"We're not going to win any games when she only gets two shots. So we need to find a way to get her more shot," Himmelberg said. "She had a rough night tonight but I know she's going to come out against Carroll on Saturday and have a better night."

The two bright spots offensively for the Lady Argos were senior guard Erin Legel and sophomore guard Stephanie McDonagh who combined for 35 of the team's 53 points. Legel finished with a team high of 25 points and also accounted for both of the team's two made 3-pointers.

"Erin had a heck of a night tonight and really kept in the game for a lot of the time," Himmelberg said. "Steph did a great job of guarding Jacy Thompson, their leading scorer, and holding her to ten points."

Junior center Brice Henning put in some important minutes for starting center Whitney George who found herself in foul trouble through much of the game. Henning led the team with seven rebounds and also contributed four points.

The loss is a tough start to the heart of conference play for the Argos but they have a chance to get things back on track with a huge home game against rival (5) Carroll College on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m.

UGF's record is now 10-5 (1-2).