GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence women's basketball team defeated Valley City State 77-66 Friday night.

The Argos (14-9) scored the first nine points of the game behind a three-pointer from junior Brooke Dial and baskets from seniors Ainsley Thurber and McKenna Reggear to take a nine-point lead.  

The Argos continued their momentum with a jumper from junior Eliannah Ramirez and freshman Dymon Root to increase the run to 13 and following a free throw on the other end from the Vikings (7-14), a pair of free throws from freshman Layne Rogel put UP in front 15-1.

Each side traded baskets but three-straight layups from Rogel and a free throw from senior Sofia Mokofisi gave UP a 23-6 lead heading into the break.

The Vikings cut the lead down to 12 to begin the second quarter and following baskets from both teams, jumpers from freshman Bella Triemstra, Reggear and a layup from Thurber put UP ahead 37-23 heading into halftime.

Valley City slowly cut the Argo lead down to 10 to begin the second half but a 9-2 run from the Argos behind baskets from Ramirez, Rogel, and Reggear made it 55-38.

The Vikings scored the final four points of the third quarter as UP went into the break leading 58-44.

The Argos pushed the lead out 17 behind a three-pointer from Thurber to begin the fourth quarter and despite a late run from the Vikings, UP defeated Valley City State 77-66

Three Argos achieved double-doubles in senior McKenna Reggear with 17 points and 10 rebounds, senior Ainsley Thurber with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and junior Brooke Dial with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The Argos will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 7 when they host Mayville State. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in Great Falls, Mont.