Yellowjackets Back to Work after Long Layoff

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BILLINGS, Mont. – After an 11 day layoff since the last game, the Montana State Billings women’s basketball team returns to the court against the Dickinson State Blue Hawks. The ‘Jackets are looking to stop a two game skid after suffering back-to-back defeats to Adams State (Nov. 28, 59-46) and Montana Tech (Dec. 1, 67-64) just after the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Yellowjackets (4-2) enter the contest looking to earn their first victory since Nov. 27, a 70-61 vicotry over UC-Colorado Springs. Slow starts and poor shooting have hindered the ‘Jackets in their previous two contests, losing consecutive games for the first time since dropping five in a row last season (Jan. 24 - Feb. 12).

Heading into the last contest with Montana Tech, MSUB hadn’t dropped a home game to the Orediggers in 23 meetings and had one the last 15 overall. Yet, the rims were unkind to the Yellowjackets, shooting 35.3 percent from the floor, including a 7-for-26 night from three point land.

Sarah McNamee and Mandy Jacobs were the bright spots for the ‘Jackets in the loss. McNamee had a season-high 18 points, while Jacobs racked up a career-high 14 points and tied her career-high in rebounds with 10. 

Kayla Ryan also played well, quietly scoring a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards. The Orediggers were able to jump out to a seven point lead midway through the first half behind 50 percent shooting in the half.

The Yellowjackets were able to cut back into the deficit and regain the lead, but it was a close tug-of-war for the lead going into the half. With the ‘Jackets leading by three with 1:46 remaining, Tech hit a lay-up with 46 seconds left and retook the lead before the half with a three by Brooke Pokorny.

Trailing 36-34, the ‘Jackets needed momentum in the second half, but never really got going until late. Callie Kautzmann gave MSUB the lead with 2:36 left, 62-61. The Diggers struck back 20 seconds later, taking the lead for good on a Taesha Higbee layup.

Tech closed out the game with a couple of free throws for the 67-64 victory. The Yellowjackets were 24-of-68 from the floor for the game and were out rebounded 41-40 by Tech. The ‘Jacket bench was able to outscore the Orediggers 14-7 in the loss.

Dickinson (6-5, 1-1) enters the contest after a 55-54 victory over Valley City State last Saturday at home. Kia Herbel currently leads the team in scoring and rebounds with 22.3 ppg and 10.6 boards. Amber Adams also is scoring in double figure with 10.1 ppg. The Blue Hawks are outscoring opponents 67.6-66.9 in games this season.

The Yellowjackets are 10-4 overall against the Blue Hawks in the series history. The two schools have not faced each other since Jan. 2, 1997, a 105-45 victory for the ‘Jackets at home. MSUB has won four of the last five overall and the last eight at home, dating back to Dec. 12, 1979.  

Theme Night
Tonight’s theme is Billings Area Teacher Appreciation Night. All Billings area teachers and their families gain free admission into the game with their school ID cards. The game is being sponsored by Jackets and Co. who are handing out stadium cushions to the first 100 fans. MSUB athletics is asking fans to bring in canned food donations for area families in need this holiday season.  Fans can check out the themes for any MSUB home game by clicking on the icon located on the MSUB homepage.

Tis the Season
December has been a very merry time of the year for the Yellowjackets in recent memory. In the last five years, MSUB has had a winning record in the month of December and are 22-5  overall during that time. The last time the ‘Jackets suffered a losing record in the month of December was during the 1999-2000 season, going 3-4 that season. 

Better to Receive than Give
The Yellowjacket defense has been very aggressive this season in forcing opponent turnovers. In six games, the opponent is averaging 18.8 turnovers per contest, while the ‘Jackets are turning the ball over 14.5 times per game, a +4.3 margin.

Let’s Dish
MSUB has done quite well in sharing the ball this season, averaging 18.5 assists per game and with the turnovers, have an assist/turnover ratio of +1.3. Kalli Stanhope currently leads the team in assists with 18 on the year, 3.0 per game.

Spread the Wealth
Scoring has been a complete team effort this season for the ‘Jackets. Four players are averaging double-figures this season, led by Kayla Ryan who is averaging 13.2 ppg. Callie Kautzmann is second in scoring with 12.0 a game, followed by Sarah McNamee (11.0) and Kalli Stanhope (10.2).

He Looks Familar
MSUB women’s basketball volunteer assistant coach Shawn O’Brien may look familar to some of the Blue Hawk players. O’Brien was an All-American kicker for the Blue Hawks football team in 2004 and ranks number one in field goals and extra points made. He ranks in the top five in total points.

Milestone Watch
With the victory over UC-Colorado Springs (Nov. 27), MSUB head coach, Kevin Woodin, recorded his 92nd career victory. With eight more wins, coach Woodin will become the third coach in MSUB women’s basketball history to record 100 wins at the school. With 10 more victories, Woodin would tie Ted Anderson (1982-87) for second on the school’s all-time wins list with 102.

A Winning Attitude