BROOKINGS, S.D. ? Sophomore Katy Clark was a perfect 4-4 from the floor and tied a career high with 11 points, but it was not enough to push the Western Illinois women's basketball team past South Dakota State at Frost Arena, as they fell 85-60.

With the win the Jackrabbits (17-6, 10-2 The Summit League) moved into sole possession of first place in The Summit League standings, with the Westerwinds (11-12, 9-3 The Summit League) moving into second place.

The first five minutes of the game were close, with both teams combining to commit nine turnovers and scoring only nine points. South Dakota State then started an 8-0 run over the next three minutes to take the lead for the remainder of the game.

The Jackrabbits pushed out to lead by as many as 11 points with just under seven minutes remaining in the first half, before Western closed the gap to six points with 4:30 left in the opening stanza.

"We came in knowing that we were going to have to play tough defense, rebound and take care of the ball," said assistant coach Todd Schultze "We did that early and kept battling, but there comes a time when your defense only holds you so long when you aren't making shots of your own."

South Dakota State then went on a 13-5 run over the rest of the half to take a 35-21 advantage into the locker room.

The Jackrabbits came out of the locker room firing again and built up a 20-point lead in the first four minutes of the second half with a 12-6 run. South Dakota State then pushed the lead out to 35, as the team connected on every shot they took until 4:37 remained in the second half. The Westerwinds went on a 13-5 run in the final five minutes to cut the lead to 25.

The Jackrabbits used a 49.2 shooting percentage, including a 60.9 percent mark from beyond the arc to earn the victory. South Dakota State connected on 14-23 three-point shots, including nine in the final 20 minutes and out-rebounded Western, 33-28.

The Westerwinds now travel to North Dakota State for a 7 p.m. tip-off, Monday, February 11 at Bison Sports Arena.

Notes: Senior Gina Hugelier and junior Nicole Myers were also in double-digits for Western...Hugelier tallied 11, while Myers added 10...Myers was 2-2 from the field and 6-6 from the free-throw line

Quotes:
Western Illinois Assistant Coach Todd Schultze
"When you are at home and are shooting the ball well it makes things look a lot easier and that is what happened for South Dakota State tonight."

"We have to regroup and get back to what we have been working on; play good defense, rebound, the ball and get some good shots."