by Zane Guse, RMC Communications
BILLINGS, Mont., March 12, 2022- The Battlin’ Bears defended home court in the 2022 NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship Opening Round Championship Game presented by Ballogy. Rocky and Dakota State had a tight battle for the first three quarters, but Rocky distanced themselves in the fourth to win 89 to 73. The Battlin’ Bears are now 28-4, 12-3 on the year.
Rocky was led on offense by N’ Dea Flye, who had a game high 29 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals. N’ Dea Flye recorded her first triple double of the year. Shauna Bribiescas (Navajo) added 25 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Kloie Thatcher scored 11 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. The Battlin’ Bears shot 47.1 percent from the field, 37.9 percent from the arc, and 70.6 percent from the line.
Dakota State University (27-8, 13-1) was led by Jessi Giles, who scored 18 points and two steals. Shaylee DeBeer had 16 points and six rebounds. Lexi Robson and Elsie Aslesen scored 10 points apiece. The Trojans shot 39.1 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from deep, and 69.2 percent from the charity stripe.
Rocky had 18 points off turnovers to the Trojans’ 17 points. Rocky had 14 points in the paint, and Dakota State had 28 points. Rocky had three more rebounds in the contest. Rocky went 9 for 10 from deep to end the game.
The Battlin’ Bears move on to the 2022 NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship Final Site presented by Bomgaars. The Battlin’ Bears will play Wayland Baptist on Thursday, March 17 at 7 p.m. MT in Sioux City, Iowa.
