November 17, 2007

Fighting Sioux Roll Past Lady Jackets
   Box Score
   MSUB Season Stats

GRAND FORKS, N.D.-  The Montana State Billings women’s basketball team fell 77-45 to host team University of North Dakota Saturday at the UND Classic held in Grand Forks, N.D.  Following Friday’s 89-65 loss to Minnesota State-Moorhead to open the season, the Yellowjackets are now 0-2 overall.  North Dakota won their opening game on Friday against Metro State to improve to 2-0.

The Fighting Sioux built their lead to as many as 14 points midway through the first half only to have the Lady Jackets whittle their way back to within four with just 3:46 to play in the half.  Settling on a 34-20 score heading into the locker room, the Sioux used an 11-0 run early in the second half to pull away from MSUB for the win.

Kayla McPherson (Glendive) led the Lady Jackets with 15 points on 4-of-10 shooting from the floor.  McPherson knocked down three 3-pointers and was 4-of-4 from the charity stripe.  Alira Carpenter (Lewistown) was the only other Yellowjacket to score in double figures netting 12 points.  Newcomer Kayla Ryan (Big Timber) grabbed a career-high and team-leading six rebounds in the game.

The Fighting Sioux’s Kierah Kimbrough posted a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead UND.  Ashley Langen netted a game-high 21 points off 7-of-11 shooting from the floor.  Langen had seven boards and was 7-of-8 from the line.

As a team the Lady Jackets shot just 26 percent from the field and was 27 percent from long range connecting on 6-of-22.  The team was 9-of-16 from the free throw line for a chilly 56 percent and were out-rebounded 52-35 by UND.

The Yellowjackets return to Billings to host the Chinook Wireless/Clock Tower Inn Yellowjacket Classic Nov. 23 and 24.  Friday’s games include a neutral contest between Regis University and Mary at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Lady Jackets versus Northwest Missouri State at 7:00 p.m.  On Saturday Mary will play Northwest Missouri State at 1:00 p.m. with the Yellowjackets tipping off against Regis University at 3:00 p.m.  All games will be video streamed live and can be purchased by going to www.pennatlantic.com.