The #8 Charger women's basketball team fell in the final seconds to the visiting #13 Dakota State Trojans 71-70 Wednesday evening on Ray Nacke Court. Leading by one, a foul was called on the Chargers and DSU's Tabor Teel sank two free throws to give the Trojans the victory.
 
The Trojans held a 20-15 lead in the first quarter following a three from Angela Slattery. The Cliff responded with a 7-0 run to take a 22-20 lead following a bucket from Konnor Sudmann off an assist from Payton Slaughter.
 
The Trojans rode the hot hand of Slattery as they built a 32-26 lead early in the second quarter. The Cliff cut the lead within after Grace Flanagan buried a three and a basket from Rachel Langel. Langel in the final seconds of the first half stuffed a shot from the Trojans Caitlin Dyer and the Chargers to a 43-41 lead heading into intermission.
 
After a back-and-forth third quarter, the Chargers clung on to a two-point lead heading into the final frame. The Chargers led 62-58 with 6:34 remaining in regulation, until the Trojans tied it up following a basket from Tabor Teel. With 29 seconds left and the Chargers leading 70-69, a shooting foul was called on BCU and the Trojans Teel Sank both free throws to take the 71-70 lead. A last second shot attempt from Mallie McNair, and Dakota State grabbed the defensive board. The Chargers were unable to intentionally foul, and the Chargers fell 71-70.
 
Sudmann led the Chargers with 20 points and went eight-for-13 from the field with five rebounds. Langel chipped in 12 points and grabbed six boards with a block. Cadence Davis provided a spark off the bench for the Chargers, adding in seven points in limited minutes.
 
The Trojans platoon system worked in their favor, as they received 30 points from their reserves, led by Teel's 23 points.
 
The Chargers fall to 11-2 (6-1 GPAC) on the season, and will travel to Crete, Nebraska this Saturday as they take on the Tigers of Doane. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.