Yellowjackets Fall at No. 19 BYU-Hawaii, Slip to Third Place (February 25, 2003)

BILLINGS, MT – The MSU Billings men’s basketball team had its 10-game winning streak snapped Tuesday night, losing 91-78 at No. 19 BYU-Hawaii.  The Yellowjackets fell to 16-7 overall and 8-5 in the PacWest.  They also slipped back to third place in the league standings.  The Seasiders, 15-3 overall and 9-2 in the PacWest, moved to within two games of clinching the PacWest title.

MSU Billings jumped to an early lead behind some quick baskets in the paint by center Kyle Stirmlinger.  The Yellowjackets built a 15-10 lead early in the game, but strong outside shooting by the Seasiders left MSUB trailing 38-34 at the half.

The Yellowjackets never led in the second half as the BYUH offense found its rhythm.  While MSU Billings was able to contain All-American Alexus Foyle to a degree, four other Seasiders scored double figures.  Foyle finished with 23 points on 10-of-20 shooting from the field.  He entered the game averaging a PacWest-leading 27 points per game.

MSU Billings was able to cut the lead to 77-71 with about six minutes remaining, but the Seasider guards were able to hit a couple key three-pointers and BYU-Hawaii was perfect from the free throw line.  The Seasiders were 18-of-23 from the charity stripe and made all 13 of their second half free throws.

The Yellowjackets were led by point guard Willy Davison’s 22 points and five assists.  Davison had the hot shooting hand for the Jackets, connecting on 6-of-8 from three-point range and 7-of-9 from the field.  He also made both of his free throw attempts.  The six threes were a career-high.

Justin Hassell scored 14 points on 5-of-16 from the field.  Dan Thompson and Cameron Munoz each added 11 points.  Stirmlinger finished with a game-high eight rebounds and had nine points.

The same teams play Thursday in a must-win game for the Yellowjackets.  While they are out of the PacWest title race, they likely need to win their remaining four games to have a chance of qualifying for the NCAA Tournament as an at-large selection.  Thursday’s game can be heard live on News Radio 970 AM and on the internet at www.msubillings.edu/athletics.  Tip-off will be 10:30 p.m. MST.