Lady Jackets Ranked in NCAA Stats (1/13/06) 

BILLINGS, MT – The Montana State-Billings women’s basketball team was ranked in the top 50 by the NCAA in four statistical categories in the most recent NCAA Division II statistical rankings.  The rankings include games through January 8 and do not include the Lady Jackets’ (10-4) two wins in Texas earlier this week.

The Yellowjackets are fourth in the nation for 3-point field goals per game, averaging 8.7.  They are also 15^th for 3-point field goal percentage (38.7), 38^th for scoring offense (74.1) and 47^th for rebound margin (5.8).  MSU Billings has won nine-straight games dating back to early December.

Forward Michelle Lieber and guard Jenny Langford were each ranked in two individual categories.  Lieber was ranked for both rebounds and field goal percentage for the second-straight week.  Langford, who just became eligible for national rankings due to three missed games earlier in the season, was ranked for 3-pointers per game and 3-point field goal percentage. 

Lieber, junior from Gillette, WY, moved from fourth to third nationally for field goal percentage.  She was shooting 66.3 percent from the field through the ranking period and has improved that average in two road wins this week.  Lieber also ranked 35^th for rebounds per game at 9.3.

Langford, a senior from Reedpoint, MT, ranked in the national top 25 for both 3-point categories.  She was 11^th for 3-point field goal percentage at 46.3 and 24^th for made 3-pointers per game at 2.8.

The Yellowjackets, who defeated Incarnate Word twice this week, will face Heartland Conference leader St. Mary’s on Saturday in San Antonio.  The winner will claim first place in the conference standings.  MSU Billings is 3-1 in league play while the Rattlers are 2-0.  The game will be aired live in Billings on AM 970 at 4:30 p.m. MST.