BILLINGS, Mont. – The University of Providence women's basketball team used a dominant third quarter to pull away from Dickinson State Wednesday afternoon, defeating the Blue Hawks (2-15, 0-1) 80-55 in Billings, Mont.

Down 14-11 at the end of the first quarter, the Argos (14-3, 1-1) ramped up the pressure to take a 34-28 lead into the break. After allowing the Blue Hawks to shoot 40% in the first half, the Argos came out rejuvenated, forcing the team into shooting 25% from the field in the second. The Argos jumped on the Blue Hawks in the third, outscoring them 28-13 to put the game away for good.

"We came out a little bit slow in the first half," head coach Bill Himmelberg said. "It was nice to see us turn it on a little bit defensively in the second half. We defended way better in the second half, especially on closing out on shooters."

Emilee Maldonado led the squad on the day, recording 28 points, four rebounds and three assists. Kerstyn Pimperton recorded 12 points and a team-high four steals on the day. Parker Esary added 11 points, five rebounds and three assists while Brooklyn Harn added 10 points and four rebounds.

"We executed offensively way better in the second half," Himmelberg said. "We came out and took care of business. Parker was in a bit of foul trouble in the first-half. Brooklyn had a great game. Emilee was great and really carried us. Kerstyn hit four threes which was good to see."

Ashlie Watts led the Blue Hawks with 15 points and six assists. Kailyn Groves and Courtney Olsen both added nine points for the squad.

The win officially wraps up the non-conference schedule for the Argos. The team will next take the court on Jan. 6 with a Frontier Conference matchup with Montana Western for Military Appreciation Night. The game will tip off in Great Falls at 5:00 p.m.