BILLINGS, Mont. – Four Battlin' Bears scored in double digits as No. 24 ranked Rocky Mountain College defeated University of Providence 75-66 Thursday night.

The Argos began the game on a 6-0 run, but the Battlin' Bears responded with a 16-4 run to end the first period at 16-10. Rocky remained in control of the lead for the rest of the game. Late in the game, Providence surged, drawing the deficit to only a point on three separate occasions, but Rocky stayed ahead each time and secured their sixth conference win of the season.

The Argos relied heavily on their starting five with only Reed Hazard's two points coming from the bench.

Rocky finished the night shooting 43.1 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from beyond the arc. Providence, on the other hand, shot 39.6 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from deep. 

"I thought we executed well offensively tonight and played well against a tough team," said Rocky's head women's basketball coach, Wes Keller. "Proud of how the team fended off Providence's run late in the game."

Markaela Francis posted 23 points with nine rebounds and six assists which led the Battlin' Bears in all three categories. Grace Parker had 12 points and nine rebounds. Kloie Thatcher had 17 points while Destinee Pointer scored 12.

Providence's Emilee Maldonado scored a team-high 18 points. Parker Esary scored 15 points while Bailey Cartwright had 13 points and a team-high six rebounds. Jenna Randich scored 11 points.

The Battlin' Bears held a slight 31-30 edge on the glass.

Rocky will remain at home to play No. 18 ranked MSU-Northern on Saturday in the Fortin Education Center.