CHANDLER, Ariz. – The University of Providence pulled out a big win on Wednesday, defeating #17 Dakota State in a highly-contested game 68-63 to cap off an undefeated run at the Cactus Classic.

The win served as a little bit of revenge for the Argos (13-3, 1-1), who lost to the Trojans (11-5, 1-0) in last season's NAIA National Tournament.

"It feels good," head coach Bill Himmelberg said. "They are a great team. They are really well-coached and got us last year. The girls really wanted a chance to play them again and I'm glad we took advantage of it."

The two teams battled back and forth throughout the first half. The Argos played a majority of the second quarter without All-American Emilee Maldonado, who had three first-half fouls, but only managed to trail 32-28 at the break. 

With Maldonado back in the game, the Argos cruised in the third quarter, going on a 17-9 run to flip the game into 45-41 lead heading into the fourth. The teams battled in the final quarter, with the game at tied 61 with 3:47 left. However the Argos were able to come up with some timely buckets and critical stops to secure the 68-63 victory.

"I'm just really proud of the kids," Himmelberg said. "We battled through some adversity and were able to overcome Emilee sitting on the bench for a little bit. We handled the press really well and handled the pressure. We limited their top scorers a little bit more than the last time we played them. I'm really proud with how we defended."

Maldonado led the way for the squad, finishing with 23 points and seven rebounds and three three-point makes. Parker Esary also came to play for the team, recording 16 points and seven rebounds. Brooklyn Harn added 10 points and seven assists off the bench, while Maddy Dixon and Reed Hazard both added eight points.  

Jessi Giles led the Trojans with 24 points and five rebounds, while Savannah Walsdorf added 20 points.

The game, which featured 14 lead changes and 10 ties, was a good precursor for the intensity that the team is likely to see throughout Frontier Conference play.

"This was a National Tournament-like atmosphere and feeling," Himmelberg said. "We both made coaching moves and adjustments. They played great, we just happened to make a couple more baskets than they did. This is going to have us ready for conference no question about it."

The Argos will have one more final non-conference game before conference begins. The Argos will take on Dickinson State Dec. 29 at 1:00 p.m. in Billings, Mont.