November 6, 2007

Lady Jackets Run Past Bears
   Box Score
   Game Photos

BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State Billings women’s basketball team came back after last week’s exhibition loss to Rocky to dominate the game wire to wire Tuesday night winning 78-60.  The game was exhibition for the Lady Jackets and does not count in their season record, while the Lady Bears fall to 2-3 on the season.

The Yellowjackets took the lead just 1:46 into the contest and never looked back.  Leading by ten at halftime, MSUB went on a 12-0 run midway through the second half building their lead to as many as 25 with 6:28 left on the game clock on a layup by Alira Carpenter (Lewistown).

“We played better tonight than we did last Friday against Rocky,” said Lady Jacket head coach Kevin Woodin.  “Our defense, as a team, was much better.  We had a balanced attack and were able to disrupt their offense more effectively.”   

Four Jackets scored in double figures and were led by Carpenter’s game high 26 points.  Carpenter shot 10-of-16 from the floor and 3-of-6 from the perimeter.  Jen Smith (Belgrade) netted 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field and grabbed five boards.  Shantell Marquis (Cascade) and Kayla McPherson each added 11 and 10 points respectively with teammate Kayla Ryan (Big Timber) posting a game high 10 rebounds.

“The key to the game was the second half,” added Woodin.  “We made some early baskets, shot better from the perimeter, and then kept the pressure on Rocky.  Brian has put together a strong team and I am sure they have a very good season ahead of them.” 

As a team the Yellowjackets were 20-of-50 from the floor and 6-of-21 from long range.  The team shot 14-of-20 from the line for 70 percent.  The Lady Jackets scored 29 points off 21 Rocky turnovers.

Rocky Mountain’s Liz Lewis scored 16 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field and was 6-of-9 from the charity stripe.  Emmelie Lundgren and Gretchen Wall each added 11 and 10 points respectively.

The Bears shot 29-of-67 from the field and edged the Jackets by one from 3-point range shooting 7-of-22.  Rocky was 13-of-21 from the free throw line.

“It was important to come out and play with more intensity and fire and we were able to do that tonight,” said Woodin.  “We have a young team and a long season ahead but we are looking forward to our exhibition game on Sunday against the Bobcats.”

The Yellowjackets wrap up their exhibition season with a game against MSU-Bozeman Saturday, Nov. 11 in Bozeman.  Tip off is set for 3:05 p.m.  All home games can be viewed live by accessing the Penn Atlantic website at www.pennatlantic.com .