SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The North Dakota State women's basketball team came up short in a back-and-forth battle with top-seeded South Dakota State, falling 67-54 in the championship game of the Summit League Tournament.
 
It was NDSU's first appearance in the league title game. The loss dropped the Bison to 21-11 on the season.
 
The contest was a defensive battle, featuring seven lead changes and six ties. The Bison held the lead or were tied for the lead for more than half the game.
 
NDSU forced 16 Jackrabbit turnovers, including 13 in the first half alone. The Bison were unable to overcome 33 percent shooting and a 3-for-18 mark from three-point range. SDSU shot 44 percent overall and 47 percent from beyond the arc.
 
The Bison led 37-35 with less than three minutes left in the third quarter, but SDSU scored seven straight to go up five. NDSU fought back to within one at 47-46 when Heaven Hamling hit a three-pointer with 6:30 left in the game. The Jackrabbits scored the next 14 points to take control.
 
Hamling finished with 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists to lead the Bison in all three categories. Elle Evans had 13 points, five rebounds, and two steals for NDSU.