GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence women's basketball team will kick off their Frontier Conference Playoff run this Saturday at 5 p.m. The Argos (9-4, 9-4) will take on the Bulldogs from Montana Western, who defeated Rocky Mountain 82-41 Thursday night in the opening round of the Frontier Conference Playoffs. Because the Argos were a 2 seed, they received a first-round bye and an automatic bid into the semifinals.

"We're excited to play in this round and see what we can do," head coach Bill Himmelberg said. "They're a good team. It's going to be a tough game."

Not only does the winner of the game advance to the Frontier Conference Playoffs Championship Game on Monday, but it could help push the winning team into the National Tournament. Both the Argos and the Bulldogs (15-8, 12-8) are considered bubble teams for the tournament, and a win at this point in the season could significantly help improve each team's résumé.

"We both know what's at stake," Himmelberg said. "I expect a close game. Both teams are going to be ready to go. You don't have to say anything to our girls. They know what's up. We're just going to let them go get it."

The two teams are very familiar with each other, having played each other four times this season. The Bulldogs got the jump on the Argos first, defeating them 66-52 on Jan. 23. They almost completed the weekend sweep, but junior guard Reed Hazard hit a game-winning three at the buzzer to give the Argos the victory. The Bulldogs then came to the McLaughlin Center, routing the Argos 73-43. The loss marked a turning point for the Argos, who haven't lost since, including a victory over the Bulldogs last week.

The Argos are currently on a five-game winning streak, defeating Montana Tech and Rocky Mountain twice along with the Bulldogs. Himmelberg is pleased with how his team has come together and responded this late in the season.

"We're going to prepare like we've always been preparing," Himmelberg said. "We're going to make sure we're ready to go and be locked in."

The Argos and Bulldogs will tip off at 5 p.m. on Saturday. The Frontier Conference's no-spectator policy will remain in effect through the entirety of the Frontier Conference Playoffs. Fans will be able to watch the semifinal matchup free of charge on the University of Providence Argos YouTube page.