The De Smet Bulldogs got off to a hot start and then held strong for a 64-58 win over the Lower Brule Lady Sioux at the Dakota Valley Conference Classic in White on Saturday, January 20th.
The two teams combined for 40 points total in the first quarter. The Bulldogs led 23-17 at the first break. De Smet led by as many as 12 points in the second quarter and ended the first half with a 38-27 lead. The Bulldogs pushed their lead to 15 points, 49-34, with 2:45 to play in the third quarter. Lower Brule cut the lead to 53-44 by the end of the third quarter. The Lady Sioux pulled within five points, 57-52, midway through the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs responded with a 5-0 run to make the score 62-52 with 2:30 left to play. That run was enough to keep De Smet in front the rest of the game.
The Bulldogs finished the game shooting 46% (25-54) overall, 26% (5-19) from three-point area, and 38% (9-24) from the free-throw line. Lower Brule shot 43% (21-49) overall, 41% (7-17) on three-point attempts, and 56% (9-16) from the free-throw line.
Hazel Luethmers had 25 points and 16 rebounds. Megan Dylla added 19 points and three rebounds. Mirra Beck had eight points, six rebounds, and two steals. Aubree Blue ended with five points. Brooke Jennings had three points and eight rebounds.
