GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence women's basketball program defeated #9 Vanguard University 73-56 Friday night.

The Lions (1-1) scored the first field goal of the game when Halle Si'i found Jaryn Madsen for a three-pointer.

The Argos (6-0) would respond with a layup from freshman Keanna Salave'a and a jump shot from graduate transfer Ashlee Maldonado to give UP a 4-3 lead.

Each side would trade baskets with Maldonado and senior Kolby Pimperton hitting a pair of threes to increase the lead to two.  

In the second quarter neither side could gain a lead by more than two until a 7-0 run behind a layup by Salave'a and Maldonado's third three of the game gave the Argos a 33-26 lead.

UP would end the first half on a 11-4 run to go into the break leading by eight. Maldonado led the way for the Argos with 12 points in the first half.

Despite a layup by Salave'a to start the second half, the Lions would begin the third quarter on a 13-4 run to retake the lead 42-41. There would be three lead changes until a jumper and a layup by sophomore McKenna Reggear gave UP a five-point edge.

The Lions would end the third on an 8-2 run to take a 51-50 lead heading into the fourth quarter.  

The Argos would open the fourth with an 8-2 run of their own behind a pair of threes by Maldonado to retake the lead 58-53 with eight minutes remaining.

UP would stay hot extending their run to 20-2 to take a commanding 17-point lead late in the fourth.

Despite a late run by Vanguard, the Argos were able to come away with a 73-56 victory. UP outscored the Lions 23-5 in the fourth quarter.

Maldonado led the way for the Argos with 21pts and 9ast. Salave'a had a double-double with 16pts and 17reb and senior Maddy Dixon added 13pts as well.

The Argos will be back in action Nov. 18 when they host Stephens College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in the McLaughlin Center.