OMAHA, Neb. – Hot 3-point shooting to begin the game made a formidable Hastings College squad even tougher to defend.

The Broncos made 6 of 9 from beyond the arc in the opening period, setting the stage for a 95-53 Great Plains Athletic Conference basketball victory over College of Saint Mary Wednesday at the Lied Fitness Center.

"We struggled to guard in transition, and we struggled to guard the 3-point line,'' CSM Coach Natalie Miller said.

Hastings, which received the fifth-most votes of those outside the NAIA national top 25 this week, improved to 15-6 overall and 10-5 in GPAC play. CSM dropped to 1-21 and 0-16.

Hastings' efficient outside shooting set the table for the interior work of Macy Bryant, who finished with a game-high 22 points. She hit all eight of her field-goal attempts, including all three of her 3-point tries.

Even though it didn't always result in baskets, Miller saw some improved play on the offensive end for her team.

"Offensively, I thought we did a good job getting downhill,'' she said. "I think our offense had more movement than it has had.''

Madelyn Gaughen led a balanced attack with 10 points. Haley Debuse and Meghan Keil added eight each, while Ella Klusman and Mia Stewart each posted seven points.

Freshman Maura Tichota, listed at 5-foot-10, grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds for the hosts.

"It shows an extreme amount of toughness on her part, which is something that she brings every game,'' Miller said. "She's our toughest defender, our best defender. She's someone who you can coach hard. For her to come out and have 13 rebounds against a pretty tough and physical team is definitely impressive.''

CSM returns home Saturday for a 2 p.m. GPAC clash with Briar Cliff University.