The Box Elder Bears were perfect from December 12 on, until they ran into the Belt Huskies. Saturday night inside the Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls, the Bears suffered their first loss of the season, a difficult 76-36 drubbing at the hands of the Huskies. Belt ripped off a 16-0 run in the first quarter and led 26-8 after the first eight minutes of play. From there, Box Elder could never amount a charge.

The Bears committed 21 first-half turnovers which ultimately led to a 55-17 Belt lead at the half, and running clock for the final 16 minutes. Box Elder was led in scoring by Crystal Stamper with nine points.

The Bears (22-1) will now have to win a Northern C challenge game on Monday night in order to reach the Class C state tournament in two weeks. Box Elder will play Winnett-Grass Range at 6:30 p.m. Monday night at Great Falls High.

For full coverage, see Monday's Havre Daily News.