November 23, 2007

Bearcats Overpower Lady Jackets
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BILLINGS, Mont. –  Northwest Missouri State’s Meghan Brue led her team with 20 points in Friday’s win over the Montana State Billings women’s basketball team at the Chinook Wireless/Clock Tower Inn Yellowjacket Classic.  The Lady Jackets fall to 0-3 on the season, while the Bearcats improve to 3-0.

The Yellowjackets held onto the lead through the first 16 minutes of the first half before the Bearcats overtook the lead on two good free throws by Lauren Williams.  Northwest Missouri State took a six-point lead heading into the locker room. 

Despite a 5-0 run by the Yellowjackets midway through the second half the Bearcats hit their stride from the perimeter and were able to keep the Jackets’ at bay with their strong defense to ice the double-digit win.

“Northwest Missouri’s defensive pressure disrupted our timing on the offensive end,” said Yellowjacket head coach Kevin Woodin.  “Other than our free throws, we struggled to find ways to score and most of that was due to the defense applied by the Bearcats.”

Neither team could buy a bucket from long range as the first three-pointer fell 14:26 into the second half of play by the Bearcats’ Brue.  Northwest Missouri State sunk six three’s in the final 14 minutes with the Lady Jackets’ Kayla McPherson (Glendive) and Jen Smith (Belgrade) scoring threes for MSUB.

McPherson came off the Yellowjackets’ bench to score a team-high 11 points.  McPherson was 3-of-9 from the field and grabbed five rebounds.  Smith and Alira Carpenter (Lewistown) each added nine and eight points respectively.  Kayla Ryan (Big Timber) netted seven points and had a team-high six boards.

“Rachel Hansen (Lolo) did a nice job for us off the bench and provided a spark for us in the first half when Shantell was in foul trouble,” added Woodin.

As a team the Yellowjackets were 17-of-50 from the floor for 34 percent and just 2-of-17 from the perimeter for 22 percent.  MSUB was very efficient from the free throw line connecting on 23-of-27 for 85 percent.

Two Bearcats scored in double figures and were led by Brue’s 20 points.  Brue was 5-of-6 from the field, 2-of-2 from long ranged and 8-of-10 from the charity stripe.  Williams netted 10 points and had a game-high eight rebounds.

Northwest Missouri State was 24-of-62 from the floor for 39 percent and 6-of-23 from three-point range for 26 percent.  The Bearcats shot 74 percent from the free throw line and out-rebounded the Lady Jackets 42-34.

“Tomorrow’s match up represents another quality opponent,” said Woodin.  “Regis shot the ball extremely well against Mary in the early game and they competed very hard.  I believe it is good for us to play tough opponents early, however, we must play with more determination and find a way to win.”

The Chinook Wireless/Clock Tower Inn Yellowjacket Classic Tournament continues Saturday with a neutral game between the Bearcats and the University of Mary Marauders (1-1).  Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.  The Yellowjackets face Regis University (1-2) at 3:00 p.m. at Alterowitz Gym.  Saturday’s 3:00 p.m. game represents Bring Your Daughter Day.  Admission is free for one parent and one daughter who is 18 and under.  Live stats and live video streaming will be available for both games and can be accessed online.