(Editor's note: University of Providence media release)
HELENA -- The University of Providence women's basketball team used a massive second half comeback to upset the No.1 seed Carroll College in the Frontier Conference semifinals in Helena Saturday night.
The Argos were down 45-30 at halftime. They outscored the Fighting Saints 43-21 in the second half to come away with a 73-66 victory.
"Our girls just battled," head coach Bill Himmelberg said. "They never lost faith. They played really hard. We made some adjustments at halftime. We decided to be a little more in the paint and take away their drives. Give all the credit to the girls, they executed the game plan. We were able to defend and rebound and most importantly make baskets."
Parker Esary led the Argos with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Emilee Maldonado scored 16 points while Bailey Cartwright scored 16 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out six assists.
The win marks the first time the Argos have won in Helena since the 2015 season. The win is also the seventh win in the last nine games the Argos have played.
"We just got two hostile wins on the road," Himmelberg said. "This just continues to give us momentum. This is just going to continue to help us. We've faced a lot of adversity this year and look where we are now."
Christine Denny led the Fighting Saints with 21 points while Kamden Hilborn added 15 points.
"Carroll is tough," Himmelberg said. "They were so good tonight. The fact that we could come back against such a high-quality team makes gives me even more confidence.
Himmelberg said the locker room after the game was one of the most exciting moments he's had since he's been a coach.
"It was crazy" he said. "Everybody was celebrating. But at the same time the team was focused. We all know we have one more. Our mission is not over. They know we have to continue."
The Argos will face Lewis-Clark State in the Frontier Conference Championship on Tuesday in Lewiston, Idaho at 7 p.m.
