Yellowjackets Drop PacWest Opener at Chaminade (January 4, 2002)

HONOLULU, HI – The MSU Billings Yellowjackets started the defense of their PacWest Conference title with an 89-76 loss at Chaminade Saturday night.  It was the Jackets’ third straight loss as they fell to 6-3, 0-1 in the PacWest.  Chaminade, which started the year with three losses to Division I opponents, improved to 6-7, 1-0.

MSU Billings posted its best offensive half of the current road swing, scoring 46 points behind three 3-pointers from freshman Cameron Munoz.  The Yellowjackets shot 54% from the field in the opening half and made 5-of-11 from behind the arc to trail 53-46 at the half. 

The Silverswords opened an 18-point lead early in the second half.   MSU Billings was able to cut that lead to nine at the 9:48 mark, but a three and a half minute run by Chaminade stretched the lead to 16 with just six minutes remaining and the Jackets never recovered.

The Yellowjackets were led by Dan Thompson’s 18 points and career-high six assists.  Kyle Stirmlinger added 11 points and Justin Hassell had 10.  Munoz and Buddy Windy Boy each finished with nine points, with Bill Day tallying eight and Ryan Wetzel seven.

MSU Billings will continue PacWest play on Monday when they travel to Hilo to take on the Hawaii-Hilo Vulcans (7-4).  Tip-off will be at 10:15 p.m. MST, and the game will be broadcast live on AM 970 KBUL and on the internet at www.msubillings.edu.