CANYON. Texas – The Yellow Jackets of Black Hills State connected on a layup as time expired to pick up a 57-55 victory over West Texas A&M during the opening game of the D2CCA Tipoff Classic at the First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas.
 
Grace Alvarez led the way for the Lady Buffs as the Houston product went 5-of-8 from the floor including 1-of-3 from deep for a team-high 11 points to go along with three boards, one assists, a block and a steal. Randi Harding and Taylor Haggan had nine points each followed by Kyla Kane with eight and Claire Graham with seven.
 
The Lady Buffs finished the afternoon going 21-of-54 (38.9%) from the floor including 6-of-18 (33.3%) from deep and 7-of-12 (58.3%) from the free throw line with 27 rebounds (five offensive, 22 defensive), 10 assists, 19 turnovers, three blocks and 10 steals.
 
The Yellow Jackets were led offensively by Haylee Weathersby who finished with 18 points and five rebounds as she went 7-of-13 from the floor including a perfect 4-of-4 from the charity stripe. Kalla Bertram had 16 points for BHSU including the game-winner as time expired. Black Hills State finished the game going 22-of-53 (41.5%) from the field including 3-of-15 (20%) from behind the arc and 10-of-11 (90.9%) from the free throw line with 38 rebounds (nine offensive, 29 defensive), 10 assists, 23 turnovers, one block and three steals.
 
The Lady Buffs conclude the D2CCA Tipoff Classic on Sunday afternoon as they take on the Harding Lady Bisons with tipoff set for 4:00 p.m. at the FUBC in Canyon.