MSU Billings Opens Basketball Season against Cal State-San Bernardino (November 23, 2002)

BILLINGS, MT – The Montana State University-Billings Yellowjackets will open the 2002-2003 men’s basketball season by hosting the defending West Region Champion Cal State-San Bernardino Coyotes on Saturday night at Alterowitz Gymnasium.  Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m., following a women’s basketball game.

The Yellowjackets return four starters from last seasons 21-7 team that advanced to the NCAA Tournament and led the nation in scoring.  Those four returnees all averaged double-figures in scoring, led by Dan Thompson’s 12.1 points per game.  Dave Carse averaged 12 points and six assists per game, Kyle Stirmlinger averaged 11.5 points and five rebounds per game, and Jerett Skrifvars averaged 11.3 poings and 5.2 rebounds per game.

Saturday nights contest will be a key West Region match-up for both teams.  The Yellowjackets are the defending PacWest Champions and the Coyotes are the defending CCAA Champions.  A team’s record against regional competition is critical in receiving an invitation to the NCAA Tournament.

Last season CSUSB defeated the Yellowjackets 111-65 in San Bernardino.  The Coyotes went on to win the CCAA and West Region titles before losing in the Elite Eight to eventual national champion Metro State.  CSUSB finished the year ranked No. 3 in the nation.  The Coyotes return one starter from last year’s squad with ten new players and a new head coach. 

General admission tickets at the gate cost $6.00.  Several ticketing options are available including season tickets and family passes.  New this year are six- and ten-packs of general admission tickets that can be used at any men’s or women’s games.  Six-packs are $25, and ten-packs are $40.  Call 657-2369 or inquire at the gate about ticket information.