WINNIPEG -- The Manitoba Bisons kept it close against the 7-1 Regina Cougars, but the visitors ultimately pulled away in an 87-60 win at IGAC on Saturday. Manitoba fell to 1-4.

Canada West Player of the Year Jade Belmore was a major factor again for Regina with 26 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and four steals, flirting with a triple-double for the second straight contest.

Belmore was limited early, with no points after the first quarter. She found her rhythm by the end of the third, entering the final ten minutes having scored 18 points.

Local product Izzi Fust added 17 points and a career-high 14 rebounds, recording a double-double for the second game in a row against Manitoba.

Emerson Martin scored seven of her team-leading 18 points for Manitoba in the second quarter, and the two sides were tied at 29 at the midway point, thanks to a Darya Rom three (11 points in the game overall, almost half of the Herd's 12 bench points).

But Regina went on a 16-5 run in the final five and carried that momentum the rest of the way.

A frustrating full court press from Regina resulted in 26 Bisons turnovers, and 20 points off those turnovers. Regina also got into the bonus early the fourth, and shot 35 total free throws, compared to six for Manitoba.

Despite the loss, the Bisons showed flashes of brilliance.

Martin's scored in double figures in three different games this year, and leads the team with 11.4 points per game, while Emily Mandamin -- the team's most efficient three point shooter last year -- drained two more and has four in her last two games. Mandamin also dished five assists, including a few flashly plays near the basket, and she has 13 assists in her last two games. Meanwhile, Rom's scored in double figures twice in her first five games for a versatile Bisons roster.

The Bisons are back at home this weekend, facing 3-2 Lethbridge.