GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence women's basketball team defeated Bellevue University 57-45 Friday night.

The Bruins (6-5) scored the first point of the game with a free throw but layups from junior Eliannah Ramirez and Brooke Dial on the other end put the Argos (8-2) ahead 4-1.

Following a basket from Bellevue, the Argos continued their momentum with three-pointers from freshman Madi Reibel and senior McKenna Reggear to give UP a 10-3 lead after the first quarter.

The Bruins opened the scoring in the second quarter, but an 8-0 run behind threes from senior Ainsley Thurber and Dial extended the Argo lead to 13.

Both sides went back-and-forth the rest of the half with a layup from Thurber giving the Argos a 28-13 edge heading into the break.

The Bruins slowly trimmed the Argo advantage to 12 throughout the third quarter, and following a basket from Bellevue to open the fourth, three-pointers from senior Camryn Cartwright and Thurber put the Argos ahead 45-29.

UP pushed the lead out to 18 behind a three from Dial and free throws from Ramirez, and despite late pressure from the Bruins, the Argos cruised to a 57-45 victory over Bellevue University.
 
Juniors Eliannah Ramirez and Brooke Dial led the way for the Argos with 14 points apiece and senior Ainsley Thurber added 10. 
 
The Argos will be back in action Saturday, Dec. 13 when they host #4 Dakota State. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in Great Falls, Mont.