MSU Billings Rallies in Second Half to Down St. Martin’s (November 27, 2002)

LACEY, WA – The MSU Billings men’s basketball team outscored St. Martin’s College 46-28 in the second half to overcome a nine-point halftime deficit en route to an 86-77 West Region victory Wednesday night.  Four Yellowjackets scored double figures as MSUB improved to 2-0 with both wins against West Region competition.

Jerett Skrifvars again led the Jackets with 25 points and eight rebounds in 35 minutes of play.  The senior wingman is averaging 23.5 points per game over the first two games of the 2002-2003 season.  Skrifvars shot 8-of-13 from the field and 9-of-10 from the free throw line.

Senior post player Kyle Stirmlinger also had a big night, posting a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds against Nick Gibbs, one of the top big men in the GNAC.  Stirmlinger shot 7-of-9 from the floor and 3-of-4 from the line.

The Yellowjackets also started to break-out of their long-range shooting slump behind Dave Carse’s four 3-pointers.  Carse finished with 17 points and four assists.  Freshman Cameron Munoz also added a 3-pointer as the Yellowjackets made 5-of-12 from behind the arc.

The win was the second for MSUB over a West Region opponent this year.  In the NCAA Division II format, wins versus teams within the region are paramount for qualifying for the tournament.  The win was also the first for the Yellowjackets in the state of Washington in Coach Craig Carse’s eight seasons at MSUB.

MSU Billings will next play this Saturday when the Yellowjackets host Minot State.  Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. after the Lady Yellowjackets face St. Martin’s College at 6:00 p.m.