The 16^th-ranked Briar Cliff women's basketball team battled on the road Saturday afternoon but fell to RV Hastings 102-82 in GPAC action.
 
BCU stayed competitive early, matching the Broncos' pace in the first quarter that saw them hold a narrow 26-23 edge.  Briar Cliff continued to answer in the second period, trading baskets and heading into halftime trailing 48-46. Hastings gained separation after the half, outscoring the Chargers 28-19, leading into the fourth, where they then sealed the win.
 
Abby Lee led Briar Cliff with a team-high 24 points, shooting 10-of-18 from the field while adding eight rebounds and four steals. Brooklyn Heineman turned in a strong all-around performance, finishing with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists for a double-double. 
 
Mallie McNair also dropped 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Kenna Mongan contributed 13 points and two assists. Mallory Leerar provided a spark off the bench, knocking down three triples on her way to nine points.
 
Briar Cliff shot 43.9% from the field and an impressive 40.7% from beyond the arc, finishing with 21 assists on 29 made field goals. The Chargers were also able to force 15 Broncos turnovers.
 
With the loss, the Chargers now move to 16-5 overall and 10-5 in GPAC. Briar Cliff returns to action on Wednesday, January 28, heading to Mitchell, SD, to take on No. 9 Dakota Wesleyan. Top-off is set for 6 p.m.