January 31, 2008

Lady Jackets Bite Wolves; Post Win
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BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State Billings women’s basketball team worked their way to a 69-56 victory over GNAC opponent Western Oregon University Thursday at Alterowitz.  The Lady Yellowjackets improve to 8-9 overall and 5-3 in league play.  The loss drops the Wolves to 5-12 overall with a 1-7 mark in the GNAC.

“It was an important win for us tonight,” said Yellowjacket head coach Kevin Woodin. “Western Oregon is a very good team and they are well coached.  I thought they played better than us in the first half.  We were fortunate to be ahead at intermission and it was mostly due to our 9-0 run to end the half.”

Following ten lead changes in the first 17 minutes of the contest, the Lady Jackets finally took a lead they would never relinquish on a three-pointer by Quinn Halvorson (Shepherd) at the 1:57 mark.  A pair of free throws by Dani Henderson (Reed Point) and a layup by Kayla Ryan (Big Timber) gave the Jackets a six-point lead going into the half.

Early in the second half, MSUB led by as many as nine before a 15-6 Wolves’ run, which included back-to-back three-pointers, knotted the teams at 47 apiece.  Timely baskets by Jetton Meadors (Billings) ignited the Lady Jackets who pulled away from the Wolves by double-digits with 5:17 remaining in the contest.  The Jackets went into cruise control as time winded down, snapping a two-game losing streak.

“Shantell’s defense was a key factor in the outcome of the game,” added Woodin.  “She has become a complete player for us and continues to improve.  WOU did a great job on Alira but she has such a complete arsenal on the offensive side.  Her three pointer to stretch the lead to six was a very big shot at a crucial time for us.”

Alira Carpenter (Lewistown) led all scorers with 22 points.  Carpenter was 9-of-17 from the floor and a perfect 4-of-4 from long range.  Shantell Marquis (Cascade) posted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.  Marquis handed out a game-high nine assists and four steals.  Henderson and Meadors each added 10 and nine points respectively.

The Lady Jackets went 26-of-63 from the field for 41 percent while connecting on 6-of-12 from behind the arc for an even 50 percent.  The team was 11-of-13 from the charity stripe and held a narrow margin outrebounding the Wolves 43-41.

The Wolves were led by Leada Berkey’s double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds.  The senior was 7-of-20 from the field and 4-of-10 from long range.  Shayla Corder and Sara Zahler chipped in 13 and 10 points respectively. 

Western Oregon was a cool 19-of-64 from the field and 8-of-27 from the perimeter.  The team was 10-of-11 from the free throw line for an efficient 91 percent.

“St. Martin’s is another quality opponent,” said Woodin.  “They are a solid team and we will have to be at our best.”

The Lady Yellowjackets are set to face Saint Martin’s (11-5, 4-3) on Saturday, February 2.  Game time is slated for 7 p.m. at Alterowitz Gym.  Live stats, live video streaming, and internet broadcasts of all home basketball games can be accessed by visiting the MSUB web site.