FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota State women's basketball team dropped an 82-54 decision to South Dakota State on Saturday afternoon at Scheels Center.

The Bison (14-8, 8-4 Summit) got off to a fast start opening up a nine-point lead, 11-2, after Elle Evans drained a layup and free throw following a steal at the 8:31 mark. Taylor Brown then knocked down the fourth triple of the frame for NDSU to make the score 22-15 with 1:46 to play in the quarter. NDSU led after the first frame, 23-18.

The Jackrabbits (20-5, 13-0 Summit) fought back in the second quarter to lock the contest, 25-25, following nine straight points. SDSU, who entered the week ranked No. 3 in the College Insider Top 25 Poll, continued to surge from there finishing the half on a 10-0 run to make the score 36-26 at the intermission. NDSU wasn't able to cut the deficit down any further over the final two quarters and dropped the contest, 82-54.

Evans hit double figures in scoring for the sixth straight game with a team-high 11 points to go along with two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Abby Schulte contributed nine points, while Brown tallied eight points with a team-best seven rebounds.

As a team, NDSU shot 35.4 percent (17-48) from the field and 63.2 percent (12-19) from the free throw line. The Bison also grabbed 23 rebounds and created five steals.

NDSU will be back in action at Omaha on Thursday. Tip-off is set for 7:05 p.m.