Free Throws Down the Stretch Help ‘Jackets Ground Blue Hawks, 71-61

Box Score

BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State Billings women’s basketball team was able to overcome multiple scoring droughts to defeat the Dickinson State University Blue Hawks Saturday evening at Alterowitz Gymnasium, 71-61. The victory snapped a two game slide by the Yellowjackets who improved to 5-2 on the season.

“This was a nice win for us against a quality opponent,” said head coach Kevin Woodin. “Dickinson is very patient on offense and they run their sets very well, but we were able to hit some key free throws down the stretch.”

The Yellowjackets had four players in double figures, led by Kayla Ryan’s double-double with 17 points and 11 boards. Sarah McNamee also had 17 points, including four three pointers, while Callie Kautzmann and Mandy Jacobs scored 12 and 10 points, respectively.

The Yellowjackets shot 39.7 percent from the field, including a 51.6 percent performance in the second half. The ‘Jackets were 34.5 percent from the beyond the arc and were 83.3 percent from the charity stripe on the night.

Both teams started the game slowly, not scoring the first bucket of the game until 17:02 remaining in the half. After tying the game at 4-4, MSUB went on a 9-0 run to push the lead to 13-4. Ryan would give the Yellowjackets a 20-13 lead with 5:19 left, but the Blue Hawks closed the gap to three, 23-20, after Kia Herbel knocked in a pair of free throws before the half.

“We didn’t shoot the ball very well in the first half,” Woodin said. “I was proud of our defense as we worked hard on that end. Our assistant coaches did a nice job of preparing our team for what they do, but I was concerned with the way we finished the half.”

In the second half, the Yellowjackets were able to maintain a comfortable lead until Teryl Norton hit a three to tie the game at 31 with 15:28 to go. As the half continued, Mandy Jacobs gave the ‘Jackets the lead for good when she hit a deep three from the left wing to give MSUB a 42-39 lead.

The Yellowjackets were able to hit free throws as time wound down to lock-up the fifth victory of the season. MSUB held its largest lead at 15 when Kautzmann dropped in an easy lay-in with 19 seconds remaining as the ‘Jackets went on to win by 10.
“We attacked on offense much better in the second half,” Woodin continued. “I thought we were more balanced and did a better job of getting the ball inside.  Even if we didn’t score on the post entry, I thought it opened up some shots for us on the kick outs or on ball reversal.”

The Blue Hawks received a double-double from Herbel, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 boards. Amber Adams contributed 13 points, while Jennifer Marquez had 12 points and eight rebounds.

The Yellowjackets controlled the boards, outrebounding Dickinson State 40-39 and won the turnover battle, forcing 15 turnovers while turning it over 14 times. The Yellowjacket bench continued to play well, outscoring DSU 21-14 for the game, as MSUB scored 22 points in the paint.