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BILLINGS, Mont. –The Montana State University Billings Women's basketball team rolled to a 78-39 victory over non-conference foe South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, extending their winning streak to seven games in row, Thursday night at Alterowitz Gym. 

Neither team could seem to buy a basket in the first three minutes of the game until Quinn Peoples hit a three point shot, then MSUB exploded.  The Jackets went on a 18-5 run in five minutes. 

From that point on, MSUB dominated in all aspects of the game.  They would only allow the Hardrockers to score six more points in the first half and take a 30 point advantage into halftime, 41-11. 

All Yellowjacket players logged double digits in minutes played, as Head Coach Kevin Woodin was able to utilize all nine of his players. 

"It was a great win for our team tonight," Coach Woodin said.  "We started slow but improved as the game went on.  I thought defensively, our team was very focused and I liked the way they communicated tonight. We were able to rebound well which allowed us to get some easy baskets in transition and extra possessions on offense.  Everyone contributed in a positive manner tonight.   All nine of our players registered points and rebounds. We did struggle at the free throw line again.  We have struggled there for several games and need to improve in that area."

The Hardrockers found some offensive production in the second half, scoring 28 points but the damage was done and MSUB cruised to the 78-39 victory.  The win is the largest of the season for MSUB as the double-upped SDSMT. 

The Hardrockers were led by Devyn Asche who scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds.  Megan Roherer added 10 points for SDSMT as well.

MSU-Billings finished with four players in double figures and every single player scored at least four points.  Bobbi Knudsen led all scorers with 14 points in 19 minutes of play.  She also chipped in four assists and six rebounds. 

Peoples finished with 13 points while Janiel Olson added 11 points and grabbed four boards.  Austin Hanser Chipped in 10 points, Kayleen Goggins had a game high nine rebounds and Tenika Capouch chipped in eight points and eight rebounds.

The Yellowjackets shot 52.6 percent from the field in the game while limiting SDSMT to only 27.3 percent shooting.  The Jackets also forced 16 turnovers, but did give up 11 of their own.  MSUB scored 20 points off of turnovers while SDSMT only managed four.  MSUB dominated the paint as well, scoring 34 points compared to the SDSMT's 14 points.  The Yellowjacket bench scored 30 points as well and the Hardrocker bench mustered forth 18 points. 

With the win the Jackets are now 17-5 overall and 9-2 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.  The loss puts SDSMT at 7-14 overall.  The Hardrockers are currently an Independent school but are set to join the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference next fall.      

The Yellowjackets next take on Seattle Pacific University Saturday at 7:00 PM in Alterowitz Gym.  SPU is the last team to defeat MSUB, 57-63 in Seattle.  MSUB is 18-24 all-time against the Falcons, but 12-5 when playing at home in Alterowitz.

"We are looking forward to playing SPU," coach Woodin said.  "They are a very talented team who is well coached.  They got us last month in Seattle and I expect it to be another great GNAC battle on Saturday night."

MSU-Billings is currently in first place in the GNAC and SPU is sitting tied for second with a 7-4 conference record and 14-5 overall. Live stats and video will be available at MSUBSPORTS.COM 

*Just before tip-off, MSUB honored three outstanding individual accomplishments. Tonight's game was not included in these stats.  

Janiel Olson is currently 8th all-time in program history in rebounds for a career with 680 and 8th all-time for steals in a career with 124. 

Quinn Peoples is 7th all-time in program history for three point shots made with 136. 

Bobbi Knudsen is currently 2nd all-time in scoring with 1627 points, 3rd in assists with 462, 5th in three point shots made with 150 and 6th in steals with 182. 

Head coach Kevin Woodin was also recognized as GNAC coach of the month January as well.