BILLINGS, Mont. – Hannah Collins scored 22 points and Taryn Shelley posted a double-double to help Montana State University Billings defeat Chadron State College comfortably 68-54 at Alterowitz Gymnasium in non-conference women's basketball Saturday afternoon. Jeanann Lemelin also contributed 13 points to the win and Addison Gardner marked a career best game off the bench with six points and a myriad of noteworthy plays. The Yellowjackets won their third straight non-conference game at home.
 
MSU Billings shot 36-percent in the first half and jumped out to a 20-8 lead after Collins and Shayla Montague both connected on 3-point baskets. Shelley grabbed eight of her 11 rebounds in the first half and MSUB led at the break 29-23.
 
"We got off to a solid start tonight," said MSUB head coach Kevin Woodin. "I thought our defensive ignited our offense early and we got the ball inside effectively on offense in the first quarter.
 
The Eagles fought back in the opening minutes of the third quarter and forced MSUB to change their defensive structure, but the 'Jackets successfully regrouped to outscore the Eagles in the third stanza 19-18.
 
"The second half didn't begin very well but we started to settle in about half way through and played good basketball over the final few minutes of the third quarter," Woodin said. "Alisha (Breen) changed our scheme to a zone defense for multiple possessions which really helped. Then our offense finally came alive again. Addison Gardner sparked us off the bench by hitting a couple big shots and had her best game of the season thus far."
 
Gardner sparked MSUB's offense early in the fourth quarter. MSUB also committed just seven turnovers in the final 20 minutes of the contest.
 
"Our fourth quarter play was consistent on both ends," said Woodin. "We limited Chadron's second shot opportunities and I thought Hannah had some big finishes down the stretch. Jeanann also hit a huge second half three and had some key transition buckets which were started by excellent defensive possessions.
 
Lemelin helped gain momentum in the second half with a pair of blocks and two steals to create fast break opportunities. One steal resulted in a layup and a three-point play late in the third quarter.
 
The Yellowjackets (3-4) won their third straight game for the first time this season after defeating Corban University and South Dakota School of Mines earlier in the week. The team heads into conference play Thursday, December 5 on the road against Simon Fraser University.
 
"November has been a very busy month for us with nine games in 23 days," Woodin said. "We will use this mini-break to get healthier and rest up some before hitting the road for GNAC play. This team has amazing potential and we need to keep working hard."
 
The Yellowjackets shot 43-percent from the field (23-for-53) and 35-percent (6-for-17) from 3-point range. The team also grabbed 36 rebounds and recorded four blocks, and nine steals. Chadron State College (1-5) finished 19-for-58 from the floor (32-percent) and 6-for-15 from beyond the arc (40-percent). The Eagles made all six second half free throws and shot 83-percent (10-for-12) from the line overall. The Yellowjackets put away 12 of 15 free throws (73-percent).
 
MSU Billings trailed 2-0 in the opening minute of the game and then led the rest of the way. The 'Jackets stretched their advantage to a game high 19 points with 45 seconds remaining in the final quarter before closing it out.
 
THE BUZZ: Hannah Collins was named St. Vincent Healthcare player of the game. Collins had 22 points Saturday, surpassing her previous season high 17 against University of Mary from November 1.