Lady Yellowjackets’ Offense Fizzles in 63-44 Loss at Sonoma State (December 8, 2002)

ROHNERT PARK, CA – Sonoma State University once again controlled the MSU Billings Yellowjackets’ defensively as the Seawolves won 63-44 on Sunday afternoon.  MSU Billings shot just 36-percent from the field as the Jackets posted their lowest scoring output since January of 1997.  Sonoma State beat MSUB in the first round of last year’s NCAA Tournament in a low-scoring defensive affair.

After keeping the score close for much of the first half, the Yellowjackets trailed 32-25 at the half after the Seawolves went on a run in the final six minutes.  Sonoma’s defense continued to give MSUB problems in the second half, holding the Yellowjackets to just 13 points over the final 14 minutes of the game.  The last time the Yellowjackets scored fewer than 44 points in a game was when they lost 54-43 at Alaska-Fairbanks on January 18, 1997.

Natalie Visger paced the Yellowjackets with 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line.  Jessie Henigman added 10 points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots.

Much like last year’s tournament game, MSU Billings struggled from the outside.  The Yellowjackets made just 3-of-12 from 3-point range in the game.  The Seawolves shot 47-percent from the floor as they improved to 3-1.  They Yellowjackets drop to 5-2. 

MSU Billings will host MSU-Northern December 14 at 6:00 p.m.