The Riverland women’s basketball team used a big first half run to take a big lead, but they couldn’t put together any spurts in the second half of an 85-78 loss to Rochester Community and Technical College in Riverland Gym Saturday.

The Blue Devils (13-11 overall, 3-7 MCAC South) used an 18-0 run to take a 28-14 lead with 8:24 left in the first half, but RCTC closed to within 42-37 at the half and they used runs of 9-0 and 17-2 to take over in the second half.

The Yellowjackets, who were led by Aly Meyer’s 31 points and 15 rebounds, outscored RCC 48-36 in the second frame.

“You can’t give up 48 points in the second half and expect to win,” RCC head coach Suzy Hebrink said. “We gave up way too many points too close to the basket. Give (Aly Meyer) credit, but we have to focus on her every possession, especially on boards.”

Krissy Schemmel gave the Blue Devils a boost early on as she hit four first half three-pointers and scored 11 points in the game’s first seven minutes. But her and the rest of her teammates went cold as RCC shot 31 percent from the field and 17 percent on threes in the second half.

“We couldn’t buy one from anybody,” Hebrink said. “We missed lay-ups, we missed bunnies, we missed threes and we struggled to score under the bucket.”

Krista Viehauser finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and three assists for RCC which is likely out of postseason play.

The Blue Devils would have to beat Ridgewater and Fergus Falls next week and have RCTC lose to Anoka-Ramsey and Fergus Fall for RCC to make it to the state tournament.

RCTC 37 48 — 85

RCC 42 36 — 78

RCC scoring: Krissy Schemmel, 18; Krista Viehauser, 17; Brooke Rosenstiel, 15; Joni Lillo, 13; McKenzie Martin, 10; Robin Arjes, 3; Danyel Hythecker, 2; field goals: 38 percent (25-for-66); three-pointers: 31 percent (5-for-16); free throws: 82 percent (23-for-28); rebounds: 39 (Viehauser, 11); turnovers: 24

RCTC scoring: Aly Meyer, 31; Brittni Mayer, 22; Desairae Lee, 12; Lane Gehl, 6; Megan Flemming, 4; Victoria Ledahl, 5; Cortney Kasten, 2; Rachel Tate, 2; field goals: 44 percent (24-for-55); three-pointers: 27 percent (4-for-15); free throws: 77 percent (33-for-43); rebounds: 43 (Meyer, 15); turnovers: 28