Broncos Buck Yellowjackets for Second Loss (December 30, 2002)

POMONA, CA – The MSU Billings Yellowjackets closed out the year with their second loss in California, falling 82-66 at Cal Poly Pomona on Monday.  MSU Billings (6-2) had its road offensive woes continue, scoring just 22 points in the first half and shooting 32-percent from the field in the game.

Cal Poly Pomona (5-2) jumped to an early lead and never trailed in the game. The Broncos were calling it a revenge game after last season’s 105-80 loss to the Yellowjackets, and they used a 49-22 first half advantage to put the game out of reach early.  Pomona led by as many as 30 in the second half before the Yellowjackets made a late run to get to within 13.  MSUB outscored Pomona 44-33 in the second half, but it wasn’t enough.

Three Yellowjackets scored double figures, led by freshman Cameron Munoz’s career-high 17.  Munoz, who is from Chino, California, made four 3-pointers and was 3-of-5 from the free throw line.  Kyle Stirmlinger notched a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and also had three blocked shots.  Dan Thompson added 12 points.

Cal Poly was paced by a number of season-high performances.  Michael Ridgway scored a season-high 16 points; David Sybesma had a season-high 14; Ronald Strange added a season-high 14 points; and Jeff Bonds grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds.

The Yellowjackets will open the New Year and the PacWest Conference schedule at Chaminade on Saturday, January 4.  Chaminade is 5-7 and has won three of its last four games.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. HST, 10:30 MST.  The game will be broadcast live on AM 970 KBUL, and on the internet at www.msubillings.edu/athletics.