January 12, 2008

Lady Jackets Rally, Hold On for Win
   Box Score
   MSUB Season Stats
   Game Photos

BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State Billings women’s basketball team made every fan in Alterowitz Gym hold their breath in the final minutes of play as the Jackets earned a 69-67 win over conference opponent Western Washington University Saturday night.  The Lady Jackets extend their winning streak to three, to sit at 6-7 overall and 3-1 in the GNAC.  The Vikings drop to 3-12 and -0-3 in league play.

The Lady Jackets took the 2-point lead at the 15-minute mark on a layup by Kayla Ryan (Big Timber) and widened the gap to eight before the Vikings’ stingy defense put a stop to the Jackets’ momentum.  Western Washington took advantage going on an 11-2 run holding the Jackets scoreless for seven minutes.  Following three lead changes, the Jackets battled to lead by one.  The Vikings’ India Soo drained a perimeter bucket with 10 seconds left in the half to take WWU to the locker room holding a one-point advantage.

 “Western hurt us with their penetration from the perimeter in the first half,” said head coach Kevin Woodin.  “They were able to get deep into our defense and/or to the free throw line effectively.  Kayla (McPherson) really stepped up for us tonight.  We needed her offense and I thought she played great on both ends. Alira  (Carpenter) got us some big baskets.  She has really improved as an offensive player and now has the ability to score in many different ways.”

The Vikings carried a brief lead into the second half before the Jackets Alira Carpenter (Lewistown) tied the ball game on fourth 3-pointer of the contest.  A 14-0 run by MSUB put the Lady Jackets in command of the game with 14 minutes on the clock.  Not leaving Billings without a fight, the Vikings whittled at the Jackets’ lead narrowing the gap to five after a pair of made free throws by WWU’s Amanda Dunbar. 

A timely layup by MSUB’s Shantell Marquis (Cascade) preserved the Jackets’ seven-point lead, but a 3-pointer by Amanda Dunbar and a pair of free throws brought the lead within one possession.  The Yellowjackets missed a long range shot giving the Vikings the chance to tie or win the game.  Western Washington spent the final six seconds on the clock dribbling up the court, never getting a shot off before time expired.

Carpenter netted 29 points, just one shy of her career-high, off 10-of-25 shooting from the floor.  Carpenter drained four 3-pointers and was 5-of-6 from the line.  Kayla McPherson (Glendive) chipped in 17 points going 6-of-11 from the field.  McPherson drilled a game-high five 3-pointers, picked up six rebounds and grabbed a career-high three steals.  Marquis handed out a game-high seven assists and added nine points.

The Jackets’ bench combined for 23 of the team’s total points.  Shooting 25-of-73, the Jackets were 34 percent from the floor, while the team was a sizzling 9-of-20 from long range for 45 percent.  MSUB outrebounded the Vikings 47-42.

Three Vikings scored in double figures and were led by Dunbar’s 22 points.  Dunbar was 5-of-15 from the floor, 3-of-8 from behind the arc and a fiery 9-of-10 from the charity stripe.  Claire Pallnasch and Soo added 13 and 11 points respectively.

As a team Western Washington was 19-of-57 from the floor for 33 percent and connected on 5-of-16 from long range for 31 percent.  Hitting 24-of-28 from the line, the Vikings shot 86 percent.

“I am pleased with the progress our team has made thus far,” added Woodin.  “Our preseason was very tough on us and prepared us well for our conference season.  We look forward to our game at Seattle next week and we definitely know how tough this conference is.  Anyone can beat anyone on a given night in the GNAC.”

The Lady Jackets continue conference play action Saturday, January 19 when they face Seattle University in Seattle for a single game.  Tip off is slated for 7 p.m. PST.