ST. PAUL, Minn. (Interstat) — Kya Smith recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Army women’s basketball team to a hard-fought 67-61 victory over Saint Thomas (Minn.) on Saturday afternoon at Schoenecker Arena.

The Black Knights improved to 2-0 on the young season, while the Tommies fell to 0-2.

Army never trailed but could not pull away from the persistent Tommies, who kept the game within a single possession for much of the second half. The Black Knights built their largest lead of the game, 48-41, late in the third quarter, but Saint Thomas responded with a 7-0 run to tie the game early in the fourth.

The contest remained tight until the final minutes. With Army clinging to a 59-57 lead, Smith converted a crucial layup with 1:20 remaining off an assist from Brooke Wilson to push the advantage to four. After a Saint Thomas basket cut the lead back to two, Army sealed the game at the free-throw line. Reese Ericson sank two free throws with 20 seconds left, and after a Tommies turnover, Ericson added a driving layup to provide the final margin.

Smith’s dominant performance inside was complemented by key contributions from her backcourt. Ericson finished with 12 points, while Taylor Wilson added 11, including three shots from beyond the arc. The Black Knights shot an efficient 47.3% from the field and connected on 8 of 17 three-point attempts.

Saint Thomas was led by Savannah McGowan, who scored 18 points. Alyssa Sand provided a strong interior presence with 14 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Jada Hood facilitated the offense, dishing out seven assists to go with five rebounds.

Despite shooting 45.7% from the floor, the Tommies struggled from long range, making just 1 of 7 three-point attempts. They attempted 18 more free throws than Army but only converted 18 of 26.

The game was a defensive battle, with both teams forcing double-digit turnovers. Army held a slight edge in offensive rebounds, 7-4, which proved critical in a game decided by a handful of possessions.

Army opened the game strong, taking a 19-17 lead after the first quarter, but Saint Thomas battled back to a 35-30 halftime deficit. The Black Knights outscored the Tommies 18-16 in the third quarter to maintain their cushion before closing out the win in the final period.

The game was played in front of an announced crowd of 984 at Schoenecker Arena. Army’s next contest is at home against Siena on Thursday. Saint Thomas will look for its first win when it hosts Eastern Michigan on Friday.