BILLINGS, Mont. – Playing their first NAIA opponent of the season, Rocky Mountain College defeated Northwest University 61-54 at Alterowitz Gym in Billings, Mont.

The No. 18 ranked Battlin' Bears started slow and trailed the Eagles through the entirety of the first half. Midway through the third period and down 32-28, Rocky initiated a 13-0 run that vaulted the Battlin' Bears ahead amid the game's only lead change. The Battlin' Bears led the rest of the way.

Northwest shot a 35.8 field goal percentage on the night and hit 31.6 percent from deep. Rocky landed 40.3 percent from the floor while draining 6-of-22 from beyond the arc.

While Northwest had a 41-36 edge in rebounds, the team had 25 turnovers which was due in large part to eight steals from Rocky's Antuanisha Wright.

Wright led the Battlin' Bears' scoring efforts with 19 points. Markaela Francis posted a double double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Mackenzie Dethman was the team's other double-digit scorer with 11 points in addition to seven rebounds.

Northwest's Alyx Fast had a team-high 14 points while Sam Van Loo recorded 10 points and a game-high 13 boards.

The Battlin' Bears will next play Dickinson State in Dickinson, N.D. on November 26.