Wildcats Claw Yellowjackets, 94-64

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ELLENSBURG, Wash. – A career-high 21 points from Brandon Foote sparked Central Washington to a 94-64 victory over Montana State Billings Saturday evening.  With the loss, the Yellowjackets fall to 1-19 overall and 1-8 in conference play.  CWU improves to 12-6 and 6-3 in the the GNAC.

The Yellowjackets were led by three players in double figures, including a team-high 14 points from freshman Brett Taylor (Billings).  Freshmen Troy Ruff (Custer, Mont.) and Cameron Khoury (Alta Loma, Calif.) each added 10 points. 

The Wildcats took the early 8-5 lead three minutes in, but back-to-back 3-pointers from Taylor and freshman Kirk Blaine (Gillette, Wyo.) put the Jackets up 11-8 and a jumper by Khoury gave MSUB its largest lead of the game at 13-8 with 14:56 left. 

CWU took a five-point lead with 13 minutes left, but a trey by freshman John Brooks (Perris, Calif.) cut the deficit to 19-17.  Moments later, a 10-0 run by CWU gave the Wildcats a 12-point cushion and they built the lead to as many as 26 and held a 55-29 lead at half.

Taylor and Blaine each had six points to lead the Yellowjackets in the first half.  The cold shooting continued for MSUB as it was 9 of 31 from the field and were 6 of 20 from beyond the arc.  The Jackets had 18 rebounds and an uncharacteristic 13 first half turnovers.

The Wildcats shot over 50 percent in the opening half on 21 of 39 from the field and were 8 of 15 from beyond the arc.  CWU was a perfect 5 of 5 from the free throw line and held a 20-18 lead in rebounds.

CWU opened the second half with a 14-4 run over the first seven minutes and cruised to a 94-64 victory. 

The Yellowjackets shot better in the second half (15 of 36) for 36 percent for the game on 24 of 67.  From beyond the arc, MSUB was 11 of 38 and was just 5 of 12 from the charity stripe.

Continuing the hot shooting, the Wildcats shot 50 percent in the second half for 52 percent for the game on 35 of 67.  CWU was 13 of 27 from beyond the arc and 11 of 15 from the line.  In addition to Foote, Bryce Daub added 13 points and Matt Penoncello and Johnny Spevak each chipped in 11.    

MSUB will be back at Alterowitz Gym Feb. 14 against Western Oregon at 7 p.m.  Live video streaming, free live stats, and free internet broadcast of home games can be found on the Yellowjackets web site.