SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Briar Cliff University's 35-point first quarter was too much for short-handed College of Saint Mary to overcome on Saturday.

The Chargers rode that quick start and went on to a 97-62 Great Plains Athletic Conference basketball victory over the Flames at the Newman Flanagan Center.

Briar Cliff (16-6 overall, 10-6 GPAC) made 8 of 9 from 2-point range, 5 of 10 from 3-point range and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line to race to a 35-15 lead after 10 minutes.

"We struggled to score and defend in the first quarter – their ball pressure and active stunts caused problems for our drives and led to a lot of turnovers,'' CSM Coach Natalie Miller said. "It took us too long to adjust, and we dug ourselves a hold.''

CSM was playing without two starters, leading scorer Madelyn Gaughen (illness) along with Ella Klusman (injury), and used a seven-player rotation.

For the Flames, senior Haley Debuse scored a season-high 22 points, hitting 8 of 18 from the field including 3 of 5 from 3-point range. That was the second-highest point total of her career, trailing only last year's visit to Briar Cliff, when she had 27.

Jai'La Porter contributed 14 points and four assists, while Madison Keil made her first start and turned in career highs of 13 points and six assists, to go with six rebounds.

"I'm very proud of those ladies for stepping up!'' Miller said. "Once we emphasized hunting cuts and playing out of our high post, we went on a run. I'm excited that we were able to make big adjustments and find ways to score together.''

The Flames return home Saturday, Feb. 7, for a GPAC contest against Dordt University.