Billings, Mont. – After coming up empty handed last weekend against two top 10 nationally ranked opponents, the Montana State Billings women's basketball team returns home where they have yet to drop a game. The Yellowjackets will put their eight game home winning streak to the test against Seattle Pacific University Saturday night at 5:15 p.m. in Alterowitz Gymnasium.
 
Following their lopsided defeat against No. 10 Simon Fraser; MSUB had a strong outing against No. 8 Western Washington on Saturday, Jan. 19. Despite their great effort, the Jackets were slightly edged 78-76 by the Vikings.
 
Bobbi Knudsen put together two solid performances over the weekend and increased her career totals to 1,076 career points and 274 career assists. She now ranks No. 8 all-time in assists and No. 19 all-time in points in MSUB women's basketball history.
 
Kayleen Goggins arguably had her best game as a Yellowjacket against Western Washington, scoring a career high 20 points. At this point in the season she averages 12.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
 
Knudsen ranks No. 2 in scoring and assists (No. 4 nationally) in the GNAC, while Goggins ranks No. 13 in the conference in scoring. Sophomore forward Janiel Olson still remains one of the best rebounders in the GNAC, as her 8.9 average ranks her second in the conference. She along with senior co-captain Brooke Tolman, have been two of the best defenders in the GNAC ranking No. 4 and No. 14 respectively in steals.
 
MSUB has been solid all year in every category except for shooting. If MSUB improves their 37.9 shooting percentage in their 10 remaining regular season contests, the Yellowjackets can put together another run similar to the first half of the season.
 
Despite their shooting troubles the Yellowjackets are averaging 70.9 points per game and have a +5.9 scoring margin. MSUB still ranks among the top teams in the nation in turnovers per game (No. 3), assist to turnover ratio (No. 5), and turnover margin (No. 7). Among GNAC opponents the Jackets are No. 1 in offensive rebounding, averaging 16.1 per game.
 
In order for MSUB to remain unblemished at home they will need to get past a very talented Seattle Pacific team. While the Falcons have not had the success they are traditionally accustomed to, they lead the overall series against the Yellowjackets 21-17. However, MSUB plays Seattle Pacific very well in Alterowitz Gymnasium, and are 11-5 when playing the Falcons at home.
 
Seattle Pacific has recently hit a rough patch in their season losing three consecutive GNAC contests. They currently rank fifth in conference standings at 4-4, one position behind MSUB. The Falcons are 10-6 overall and have been really strong at rebounding with a +9.3 rebounding margin, to complement their 72.1 points per game. The Yellowjackets can exploit Seattle Pacific's lack of efficiency handling the ball, as they have a -2.7 turnover margin and average 19.1 turnovers per contest.
 
Three Falcons starters average double figures in points, led by Katie Benson averaging 14.8 points per game. She also leads the team in rebounding and ranks fifth in the GNAC, snatching 7.8 per game. Suzanna Ohlsen and Aubree Callen average 13.3 and 12.4 points respectively.
 
MSUB and Seattle Pacific are set to tip-off at 5:15 p.m. The Jan. 26 matchup will be a part of a double-header event with the men's team competing against Western Oregon University at 7:30 p.m.
 
“This is a very important game for us; Seattle Pacific is a quality program who has been one of the elite teams in the GNAC for many years,” stated ninth year head coach Kevin Woodin. “We will need a great effort in order to come out on top. Our team is excited for this opportunity.
If Yellowjacket fans cannot attend Saturday night's game they can catch all of the action live by clicking on the link below or clicking the “video” link next to each individual contest on the women's basketball schedule page.
 
MSUB Sports Web Stream and Live Stats