The Valley City State women's basketball team extended its winning streak to nine games Saturday with a 68-59 victory against Bellevue University.

Lexi Lennon scored 12 fourth-quarter points, helping the Vikings pull away late as they remained undefeated in North Star Athletic Association conference play. With VCSU clinging to a 46-45 lead after three quarters, Lennon scored 10 of VCSU's first 13 points in the fourth quarter to give the Vikings a 59-51 lead. Bellevue could get no closer than six the rest of the way.

VCSU improves to 12-3 overall and 4-0 in conference play. Bellevue drops to 7-6 overall and 1-2 in conference play. VCSU is tied with University of Jamestown for first in the NSAA standings at 4-0.

Lennon led the Vikings with 19 points, going 4-for-4 from 3-point range and 6-for-8 from the field. She sat out most of the third quarter with three fouls before going off on her fourth-quarter scoring barrage.

Senior guard Nisja Bass scored a season-high 15 points on 5-for-6 shooting and nearly posted a double-double after pulling down a team-high nine rebounds. She also dished out three assists and had three steals. Senior guard Georgia Williams finished with 13 points despite an off shooting night. She added four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Kaitlin Connor had a big game off the bench for VCSU, posting eight points and four rebounds inside.

The Vikings finished the night at 37 percent shooting from the field (22-60), 29 percent on 3's (5-17) and 59 percent at the line (19-32).

Bellevue led 16-15 after the first quarter and VCSU took a 28-27 lead into the halftime break. The teams played even in the third quarter before VCSU outscored Bellevue 22-14 in the final period.

Bellevue shot 34 percent from the field (18-53), 30 percent on 3's (9-30) and 82 percent at the line (14-17). The Bruins held a 38-32 edge in rebounds. Bellevue committed 25 turnovers compared to just 15 turnovers for the Vikings.

Christen Voyles posted 13 points off the bench to lead Bellevue's offense. She went 5-for-7 from the field and 3-for-5 on 3's. Caletria Curtis and Ryleigh McCartney each added eight points.

Up next: VCSU (12-3, 4-0 NSAA) hosts Viterbo University on Friday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. Bellevue host Presentation College on Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. as well.