DENVER, COLO. - The Valley City State women's basketball dropped the opener Friday of its two-game road trip to Denver, falling 64-56 to Northern New Mexico.

Playing in the Johnson & Wales Classic, the Vikings started hot as they opened up a 21-10 lead after the first quarter against Northern New Mexico.

The Vikings maintained a lead throughout the first three quarters, and held a 42-38 edge entering the fourth. But it was all Eagles in the fourth quarter as they outscored VCSU 26-14 in the final period.

After VCSU fell behind 58-50 with four minutes remaining, the Vikings rallied to within 58-56 with two minutes left. VCSU had two chances to tie or take the lead, but could not convert and the Eagles pulled away in the final minute.

VCSU was hampered by 24 turnovers in the game, including nine turnovers in the fourth quarter. Those 24 turnovers led to 27 points for Northern New Mexico.

VCSU shot 39 percent from the field (23-59), 20 percent from 3-point range (4-20) and 75 percent at the free throw line (6-8). Northern New Mexico finished at 38 percent overall (23-61), 22 percent on 3's (5-23) and 72 percent on free throws (13-18).

Georgia Williams scored 16 points to lead three Vikings in double figures. Sara Schwanke added 11 points and Alli Vandal scored 10 points off the bench. Nisja Bass had seven assists in the loss. Williams and Nya Chakin led the team with seven rebounds each, while Schwanke, Vandal and Mackenzie Huber all had five rebounds.  

Up next: Valley City State (9-6, 3-0 NSAA) plays host school Johnson & Wales at 6 p.m. CT Saturday. That game can be heard on Q101.1 FM and streamed online at newsdakota.com.