Lady Bison drop holiday game

PABLO — The Salish Kootenai College women’s basketball team ended November with a 96-71 loss to Williston State College.

The Lady Bison were down by 13 at halftime and were unable to make a comeback last Sunday.

The Bison were without offensive power from Dani Augare, whose injured knee kept her on the sidelines.

Head coach Juan Perez said he wasn’t disappointed with his team’s performance.

“Offensively, we were more patient and working the ball around,” he said.

Perez said normally his team rushes the offense, but this time, didn’t force things that weren’t there.

The Bison ended the game with only two players in double digit scoring totals. Carla McLean led the team with 27 points, 16 in the second half; Misty Ostlie ended with 17 in the game.

The Bison had Monday off with an optional practice before having this weekend off.

They will face University of Montana-Western JV the second weekend in December, a team they beat twice in October and are familiar with.

“It’s kind of like a chess game,” Perez said. “It’s who’s going to make the right move to win the game.”

Since the first games, the Bison have improved defensively with their zone tactics and offensively with their shooting.

Augare played a large part in the two games, but Perez said he isn’t counting on having her back, wanting her healthy.

“I know she’s frustrated,” Perez said. “We have improved though.”