MESA, Ariz. – The University of Providence women's basketball program wrapped up their trip to Arizona with an 81-51 victory over Benedictine University Mesa Saturday afternoon.

The Argos (4-2) scored the first two baskets of the game off a layup from sophomore Keanna Salave'a and a jumper from senior Ashlee Maldonado, but a pair of buckets from the RedHawks (2-2) on the other end tied the game at four.

Both teams would trade baskets the rest of the quarter as UP went into the break tied at 16.

The Argos opened the second quarter with an 11-2 run behind a three from freshman Madi Reibel and a layup from Maldonado to put UP ahead 27-18 midways through the quarter.

Benedictine University Mesa cut the lead to four with a minute remaining in the half, but a layup from sophomore Eliannah Ramirez and a three from Maldonado gave the Argos a 32-25 advantage going into halftime.

The RedHawks scored the first points of the second half, but UP would respond with an 11-2 run off layups from Salave'a, Ramirez, and sophomore Monique Carter to push the Argo lead out to 15.

The Argos continued their momentum, outscoring the RedHawks 21-4 the rest of the third as UP took a 64-32 lead into the fourth.

Sophomore Taliah Lee opened the fourth with a jumper to push the lead to 34, and the RedHawks would not get within 30 the rest of the way as UP defeated Benedictine University Mesa 81-51.

Salave'a led the way with 20 points and nine rebounds while junior Ainsley Thurber and Maldonado added 13 and 11, respectively.

The Argos will be back in action Saturday, Nov. 23, when they host Embry-Riddle. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in Great Falls, Mont.