GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The #16 University of Providence women's basketball team fell to #18 Rocky Mountain College 59-46 Thursday night in the McLaughlin Center.

With the win the Battlin Bears (21-3, 9-2) move into sole possession of first place in the Frontier Conference standings. The Argos (21-5, 8-3) are now tied with Carroll College for second place in the standings with four games left in the regular season, including a game in Great Falls on Feb. 17. 

"Rocky did a good job tonight," head coach Bill Himmelberg said. "We did a pretty good job defensively on N'Dea tonight. We didn't move the ball very well and didn't hit enough shots. Give Rocky credit they played well. We didn't do enough to get a victory."

The Argos shot only 30.9% from the field, compared to a 40.7% shooting night from the Battlin' Bears.  N'Dea Flye led the Bears in scoring, recording 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Mackenzie Dethman added 12 points, while Shauna Bribiescas and Kloie Thatcher each recorded 10 points.

Emile Maldonado led the way for the Argos, finishing with a team-high 14 points. Parker Esary recorded her sixth double-double on the year, finishing with 13 points and 12 boards. Reed Hazard added nine points for the squad.

"We have to move the ball a little bit better," Himmelberg said. "I think the ball is sticking a little bit. We only had 10 assists which is not how we like to play. We like to share the ball, move it, attack and then hit the open girl. I don't think we're doing that very well right now."

The Argos will look to get back on track on Saturday with a home matchup against MSU-Northern. The game, which will feature as Star Wars Day, will tip-off at 2:00 p.m. in the McLaughlin Center.