Yellowjackets Host Hawaii-Hilo in Key PacWest Game Saturday (February 14, 2003)

BILLINGS, MT – After sweeping a pair of games against Chaminade earlier in the week to take over third place in the PacWest Conference standings, the MSU Billings Yellowjackets have their sights set on second place Hawaii-Hilo, who visits Alterowitz Saturday night.  The Jackets are 6-4 in the PacWest while the Vulcans are just a half-game out of first place with a 7-2 conference mark. 

The game could have significant implications in the race for the PacWest title and its accompanying berth to the NCAA Tournament.  Both teams are trying to catch first place BYU-Hawaii (7-1 in league play), and both teams will have the opportunity to face the Seasiders two more times this year. 

MSU Billings (13-6) has won seven straight, including its last six PacWest games.  Dan Thompson, Kyle Stirmlinger, Justin Hassell and Cameron Munoz have been carrying the bulk of the scoring load for the Jackets.  Thompson is second in the PacWest for scoring at 17.3 points per game.  Stirmlinger and Hassell both average 14 points a game, and Munoz is adding 12 a night.  Munoz and Thompson have combined for 105 three-pointers so far this season.  Point guard Willy Davison is averaging 5.4 assists per game.

Hawaii-Hilo (15-6) is led by a trio of double-figure scorers.  Ryan Abrams and Skip Esene each average 15 points a game, and Brady Hyde is scoring 12 points a game.  The Vulcans are ranked No. 6 in the most recent West Region poll and have won eight of their last ten.  They swept a pair of games at Western New Mexico earlier this week.

The game tips-off at 7:00 p.m. and can be heard live on News Radio 970 AM and on the internet at www.msubillings.edu/athletics.