MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois scored 29 points in the first quarter en route to a 77-65 win over the North Dakota State women's basketball team Saturday afternoon in the Summit League opener for both schools.

The Bison dropped to 5-2 on the year, while Western Illinois improved to 2-7. NDSU is now 6-8 in Summit League openers and has lost 13 of the last 14 games against Western Illinois, including seven-straight in Macomb. The two teams will finish the weekend set on Sunday, with tipoff set for 1 p.m. at Western Hall.

Reneya Hopkins led the Bison with a career-high 15 points, while Abby Schulte joined her in double figures with 11 points. Ryan Cobbins added eight points. Evan Zars led the Leathernecks with a game-high 16 points. Kadie Deaton and Emily Behnke each had six rebounds, a season-high for both. Deaton also had a season-high two assists, while Marie Olson had two blocked shots. Heaven Hamling, Deaton, Britney Epperson and Kylie Strop each had two steals.

NDSU was 19-of-57 (33.3%) from the field and 3-of-13 (23.1%) from 3-point range, a season low. Western Illinois was 23-of-60 (38.3%) from the floor and 7-of-29 (24.1%) from downtown. The Bison were 24-of-32 at the free throw line, while Western Illinois was 24-of-30. The Bison had a 40-20 advantage in bench points.

Western Illinois closed the first quarter on a 12-6 run to take a 29-17 lead. The Leathernecks opened the second quarter on an 11-2 and held a 46-30 lead at halftime. Western Illinois used a 9-0 run late in the third quarter to push the lead to 28. NDSU responded with a 22-4 run over a 6:54 span and cut the lead to 74-65 with 1:41 to play.