GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Despite holding a 13-point lead at the halftime break, the Corban University women's basketball team could not hold on to defeat the University of Great Falls (Mont.), falling to the Argos in heartbreaking fashion, 69-68.  While playing in their second game of the Holiday Inn Tournament, the Warriors garnered multiple double-digit scorers, but ultimately, Corban was unable generate enough offense in the second half en route to the one-point defeat.

With the two sides trading buckets early on, Corban used an offensive spurt midway through the first half to take control of the game.  Sophomore forward Sadie Pilgeram (Helena, Mont.) nailed a three-pointer in the process.  The Argos responded, however, and took a 22-20 advantage with 4:39 remaining in the first stanza.

Corban junior guard Julia Young (Snohomish, Wash.) sank a shot from distance to put the Warriors back in front not long after, and Pilgeram added another bucket to extend the Warrior advantage.  Pilgeram remained hot from deep, converting on another shot from downtown to keep Corban on top, and then junior guard Jade Lowery (Oregon City, Ore.) took over during the remainder of the first half, scoring a pair of buckets down the stretch to give the Navy and Gold a 37-24 lead at the break.

During those first 20 minutes, Corban shot 41.38% from the field, while going 3-of-4 from deep and 10-for-15 from the charity stripe.  Defensively, the Warriors locked down, holding Great Falls to a 25% shooting effort during the first half, and a 0-for-7 performance from downtown.

In the second stanza, Corban held a 41-30 lead at the 17:09 mark, but that is when the Argos tried to start chipping away.  Remaining poised, however, Corban scored a pair of jumpers via senior guard Haley Holboke (Vancouver, Wash.) and sophomore forward Payton Wilcox (Salem, Ore.), and after Wilcox converted on an and-one opportunity, Corban led by 14 points, 48-34 with 13:18 remaining in regulation.

The two sides continued to battle down the stretch, and for every run the Argos were making, the Warriors provided the answer, as with 8:12 left on the clock, junior guard Chris Carlson (Silver Lake, Wash.) hit a jumper to keep Corban up by nine points.

With 3:40 remaining, Lowery sank a couple of key free throws, keeping Corban in front by eight points.  The Argos battled back though, and down the stretch gave themselves the opportunity to win the game.  With 2.9 seconds remaining, Lindsey Abramson was fouled and she knocked down the tying and game-winning free throws for UGF, and while the Warriors were able to get up a desperation heave, it was not to be, as Corban ended up falling by just a mere point.

In that fateful second half, Corban was outscored, 45-31, but actually shot 44% during the final 20 minutes and 8-for-10 from the line.  For the game, however, the Warriors turned the ball over 27 times, not giving themselves enough possessions offensively, ultimately leading to the tough one-point defeat.

Lowery led the way for the Warriors with 20 points on 5-for-13 shooting while going 10-for-11 from the line.  She also nabbed a team-best nine rebounds.  Finishing in double digits as well, Pilgeram scored 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting and a 3-for-3 effort from beyond the arc.

"The ladies played a very good game and it was a very disappointing ending," stated Corban head coach Dave Bale.  "We executed our defensive game plan on their excellent point guard for a good share of the game and as good players do, she lifted it up in the last 20 minutes.  We became a little hesitant and found ourselves out-hustled on a few defensive possessions.  We have one more chance on this road trip, so we'll see what we are made of tomorrow in Helena."

Corban (2-3) returns to the court on Sunday to take on Carroll College (Mont.) at 1 p.m.