Lady Jackets Survive Rattler Scare (1/24/07)  
Box Score
Game Photos
Coach Woodin Post-Game Audio

BILLINGS, MT – The Montana State-Billings women's basketball team survived a last-second lay-up to hold off St. Mary's University Wednesday night, 69-67.  Despite giving up a nine point halftime lead, the Lady Jackets held on to capture their fourth straight win.  The victory improves MSUB to 15-4 this season and 4-1 in Heartland Conference play with the loss dropping the defending conference champion Rattlers to 6-12 and 2-2 in the conference. 

The usually sharp 3-point shooting of the Yellowjackets struggled early, hitting just 4-of-15 in the first half.  Turning to senior Michelle Lieber (Gillette, WY), the Lady Jacket scoring and tempo was fueled from underneath. Lieber finished with a game-high 23 points on 7-of-8 shooting.  She also carried MSUB from the line, knocking down 9-of-10 of free throws.   

“We didn’t shoot well in the second half and because we got down we weren’t able to get any good looks,” said MSUB head coach Kevin Woodin. “ Jennifer Skifvars (Brea, CA) came in, played well, and I think our seniors really willed us to a win.”

St. Mary’s entered the second half determined to shut down the Lieber-led MSUB interior offense.  The Jackets adjusted and turned to Jen Smith (Belgrade, MT) off the bench for production.  Smith ended the contest with 12 points and hit all four of attempts in the second half.  

“Down the stretch, they doubled Lieber and Jen Smith came in to make her points at critical times,” said Woodin. “She’s tough to guard with her explosive first step. She bounced back from her first rotation and I’m real pleased with her.” 

Jetton Meadors’ (Billings, MT) seven points, five boards, and four assists helped keep the Jackets close in the second half.  The lead changed hands several times in the final minutes, leaving the Jackets up two with just four seconds to play and a St. Mary’s possession.  The Rattlers were able to get it underneath and shoot in time, but MSUB defensive pressure forced what could’ve been an easy attempt to fall short.

The Rattlers were led by Natalie Gomez, who cashed in 20 points and shot 50% from the floor.  Juanita Mechant dropped in 15, with 4 assists and 4 steals and Dawn Killian hit 2-of-4 from beyond the arc and grabbed 6 rebounds. 

“We didn’t panic in the last three or four minutes and when you look back on a tough situation like this, it’ll only help us down the road,” concluded Coach Woodin. “We’ll have to come out better and stronger against Incarnate Word.  They’re a good team and already beat St. Mary’s.” 

The Jackets will continue their home stand with a pair of games against University of the Incarnate Word on January 27 and 28 at 5:30 p.m.  Incarnate Word currently sits at 8-9 overall and 2-1 in the conference.  Games can be heard on the Yellowjackets Athletic website or on AM 970 KBUL.