Lady Yellowjackets Bounce Back for 15-point Win in Puerto Rico (February 15, 2003)

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – One day after being stunned in a 16-point loss, the MSU Billings women’s basketball team built a large first half lead and coasted to a 70-55 win over the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras.  Natalie Visger scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field to lead the Jackets.

Playing on a floor with international dimensions (widened key and extended three-point line), the Jackets jumped to a 43-24 halftime lead by shooting 53 percent from the field.  They cooled off in the second half and were outscored 31-27 in the final 20 minutes, but their trademark defense carried them to the win.  MSUB held UPR-RP to just 30 percent shooting from the field and 29 percent from three point range.  The Yellowjackets rank 14^th in the nation for field goal percentage defense.

Joan Langford hit 3-of-9 three point attempts in the game, scoring 11 points.  Jessica Bachmann added 10 points.  Jessie Henigman pulled down 16 rebounds and made 2-of-3 field goal attempts.  She has 33 rebounds in the two games in Puerto Rico.

Mayte Cruz scored a game-high 25 points on 8-of-18 shooting for Puerto Rico.  Karla Ruiz added 12 points, but the other eight players combined for just 18 points.

MSU Billings improved to 16-5 overall.  Puerto Rico’s season record was unavailable.  The Yellowjackets, who are ranked No. 4 in the West Region, face Puerto Rico-Bayamon on Sunday at noon MST.  Bayamon defeated the Jackets 72-56 on Friday.