The Briar Cliff women's basketball team battled to the end in the opening round of the NAIA Women's Basketball National Tournament on Friday evening, falling to the College of Idaho Yotes 71-63, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

The College of Idaho opened the game with a strong first quarter, building an early 21–16 lead after one. BCU battled back in the second quarter, but the Yotes maintained control and carried a 40–31 lead into halftime. 

The Chargers continued to compete in the second half, keeping the margin within reach throughout the third quarter as both teams traded baskets. Briar Cliff put together a late push in the fourth quarter, outscoring the College of Idaho 16–13 in the final frame, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome as the Yotes held on for the 71–63 victory. 

Mallie McNair led Briar Cliff offensively with 24 points while going 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Kenna Mongan added 15 points, including four from beyond the arc. Mongan also tallied five rebounds, a block, and a steal on the night. Brooklyn Heineman finished with 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Abby Lee contributed nine rebounds and four steals to lead the Chargers defensively. 

As a team, the Chargers converted 20-of-24 free throws (83.3 percent) and forced 16 turnovers while committing just six of their own. The College of Idaho held the edge on the boards, out-rebounding BCU 49–34 and shooting 44.4 percent from the field to help secure the win. 

With the result, Briar Cliff concludes their season with a 19-11 record.
 

#BattleOn