Lady Jackets Use Strong First Half to Defeat Cal State-Stanislaus (December 6, 2002)

TURLOCK, CA – The MSU Billings Lady Yellowjackets built an 11-point halftime lead and made clutch shots down the stretch to defeat Cal State-Stanislaus 66-61 on the road Friday.  Senior Jessica Bachmann scored a game-high 20 points and senior Natalie Visger posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds as the Yellowjackets improved to 5-1.

MSU Billings built a 31-20 lead at the half after holding the Warriors to 29-percent shooting from the field.  The Yellowjackets didn't shoot a free throw in the first half, but made 5-of-13 three-pointers.

The Yellowjackets opened the lead to 15 just five minutes into the second half, but the Warriors went on a 20-4 run to take a 44-43 lead with 10:17 remaining.  MSU Billings relied on its seniors to quell the Warriors' momentum.  Baskets by Visger, Bachmann and Joan Langford put the Jackets back in front.  Langford's 3-pointer with 5:44 left in the game gave MSUB a 55-47 lead.

Stanislaus was able to battle back to within one at 61-60 with a minute to play, but freshman Lisa Jellum buried a jumper with 36 seconds on the clock to seal the victory for the Yellowjackets.  The shot was the only attempt for Jellum in the game, but it turned out to be an important one.

Langford's three 3-pointers give her 99 for her career, moving her into fifth all-time in Yellowjacket history.  She entered the game tied for fifth at 96 with Jenni Winter.  Sophomore Kayla Frize added nine points and four rebounds in the winning effort, and senior Jessie Henigman blocked four shots and pulled down three offensive rebounds.

The Yellowjackets will be off Saturday before they travel to Rohnert Park, California to face Sonoma State at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.