Yellowjackets Handed First Loss at Cal State-L.A. (December 28, 2002)

LOS ANGELES, CA – The MSU Billings men’s basketball team lost its first game of the season Saturday night, 75-55 at Cal State-Los Angeles.  The Yellowjackets (6-1) struggled offensively, shooting just 36-percent from the floor in the game. 

Both squads had a slow start offensively as CSULA (5-2) forged a 29-24 halftime lead.  The Golden Eagles outscored the Jackets 7-4 from the free throw line in the opening half.  Cal State-L.A. then started fast offensively in the second half and never relinquished the momentum.   The Eagles connected on over 60-percent of its field goal attempts in the second period.

The Yellowjackets were led by Dan Thompson’s 13 points.  He also added five rebounds.  Dave Carse added 11 points, and Buddy Windy Boy had 10.  MSUB outscored the Eagles 27-6 from 3-point range, but were outscored 21-8 at the free throw line.  CSULA also held a 42-26 rebounding advantage in the game.

Cal State-Los Angeles was paced by Ronald Johnson’s 25 points.  In all, four Eagles notched double figures in scoring.  LeMar Ruffin had a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

The Yellowjackets will play at Cal Poly Pomona on December 30 before starting the PacWest Conference schedule on January 4 at Chaminade University in Honolulu.