Lady Yellowjackets Improve to 3-1, Down St. Martin’s (November 29, 2002)

BILLINGS, MT – The MSU Billings women’s basketball team improved to 3-1 Friday night with a 65-60 victory over St. Martin’s College (0-3) at Alterowitz Gymnasium.  Four Yellowjackets scored in double figures, led by Jessica Bachmann’s 16. 

Both teams struggled to find offensive continuity as they slugged their way to a 25-24 halftime score with the Jackets up by one.  In the game, the two teams combined for 39 turnovers and 37 fouls.

The Yellowjackets offense picked up in the second half behind Bachmann, Joan Langford, and Natalie Visger.  Langford finished with 10 points and two 3-pointers while Visger scored 15 including a 4-of-6 performance from the line.  Despite foul trouble throughout the game, senior center Jessie Henigman scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds.

MSU Billings shot 41.1-percent from the field in the game, outpacing the Saints’ 29.7-percent.  The Jackets made six 3-pointers and 13-of-22 free throws, including several down the stretch as St. Martin’s fouled in an attempt to come from behind.

St. Martin’s was paced by Martina Kartikova’s 15 points and 10 rebounds.  Brandi Riel made 9-of-10 free throws, scoring 13 points and also blocking three shots.

The same teams will meet Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. at Alterowitz.  The MSU Billings men’s team will face Minot State at 8:00 p.m. following the Lady Yellowjackets’ game.