GREAT FALLS – Thousands of sixth graders were treated to a great women’s basketball game on the University of Providence’s “Field Trip Day” as the Argos took on the No. 14 The Master’s University. Providence took down the ranked opponent in a 62-59 upset.
The Argos broke out in front for much of the game, as the team got the ball inside a lot to Parker Esary, who finished the 16 points. But the player of the game was Providence junior Jenna Randich. The Argos hit a dry spell in the second half and fell behind to the Mustangs 59-57 late in the game. At that point, Randich had 18 points in the game, so the Argos got the ball to the team’s hot hand. With just 12 seconds left on the clock, Randich drained a 3-pointer to give Providence the lead for good. The Washington native finished with 23 points to lead all scorers.
The sold out crowd of elementary school kids brought a different energy to the game that this Argos team hasn’t seen all season.
“There’s no question we couldn’t have done it without those kids here today. I’m so proud of how the kids came and how they cheered for us,” said Providence head coach Bill Himmelberg. “I just want to thank Great Falls Public Schools, outstanding event. Really exciting tonight, really proud of our girls.”
“I wish we could have (those kids here) every game. It was so much fun, we all had chills before the game. We love seeing everyone come out, we love having fans and just knowing that they were all here supporting us just means the world,” said Randich.
Randich had this game in particular circled on her calendar.
“I got in the gym this week. I knew this was a big game, I know some girls on that Master’s team. I played with a couple of them in AAU back in Washington,” said Randich. “I had a little fire in my stomach, I wanted to get this win. I wanted to prove to everybody that being Argos is who we are.”
The Argos will next play on the road against MSU Billings on Nov. 9.
