BILLINGS, Mont. – A slow-paced encounter tilted the way of Western Washington University on Thursday night at Alterowitz Gym, as the Vikings handed the Montana State University Billings women's basketball team a 53-48 Great Northwest Athletic Conference defeat.
 
While the Yellowjackets led 28-27 at halftime, they scored just three points in the third quarter as momentum shifted to WWU. In spite of the lack of offensive production, MSUB remained in the game until the final buzzer as the Vikings suffered from a cold night as well.
 
"Tonight was a disappointing loss," said MSUB head coach Kevin Woodin. "We had every chance to win this game but just couldn't make a shot when we needed it. Offensively, it was one of our poorest games of the season."
 
Thursday marked the fourth time this season MSUB failed to reach 50 points in a game, as the 'Jackets made just 16 of 60 shots (26.7 percent) on the night. The Vikings were not much better however, shooting just 31.3 percent (15-for-48). Kelsey Rogers led all players with 13 points, while Katrina Gimmaka had an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double.
 
For MSUB, Taylor Cunningham scored 11 points and Taryn Shelley was also in double figures with 10. Vanessa Stavish finished with nine points and seven rebounds, and Hannah Collins had seven points and seven assists.
 
It was a sloppy game by both sides, with 42 total fouls being called and WWU committing 25 turnovers compared with 18 by MSUB. The Vikings held a narrow 43-41 edge in rebounding, and made 17 of 23 foul shots (73.9 percent). MSUB meanwhile made just 12 of 23 free throws (52.2 percent), which was its worst performance of the season from the line.
 
"Our inefficiency at the foul line really hurt us tonight," Woodin said. "Free-throw shooting has been pretty good for us all year, but tonight it really hurt us."
 
During its lowest-scoring quarter of the 2018-19 season, MSUB went 0-for-11 from the field and committed seven turnovers as all three of its third-quarter points came on free throws. The 'Jackets however also created five turnovers on the defensive end, and WWU totaled just 10 points in the period to lead 37-30 entering the fourth.
 
"Our defense kept us in the game, especially in the third quarter," Woodin said as the 25 turnovers were the second-most by an MSUB opponent this season. "They turned it over more than normal, but we did not take advantage of it."
 
Hannah Collins drained a three to start the final quarter, and by the six-minute mark the score was tied at 39-39. But Gimmaka immediately countered with a trey, and the Vikings never trailed after that. MSUB kept it close down the stretch, as WWU's lead never extended past four points until the closing seconds. WWU iced the game by going 6-for-6 from the free-throw line in the final minute of play.
 
MSUB's cold shooting extended beyond the 3-point line, as it made just 4 of 18 attempts from long range (22.2 percent). MSUB out-scored WWU 20-16 in the paint, and had a dozen second-chance points thanks in large part to 15 offensive rebounds.
 
Janessa Williams provided an immediate spark of the bench in the first quarter, posting up effectively and helping MSUB to an early lead. The junior finished with six points, four rebounds, and a block while playing 16 minutes.
 
"Saturday will be an important game for us," Woodin said. "I would like to see us honor our seniors with an outstanding effort and a win for them. They deserve it."
 
THE BUZZ: Williams was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…MSUB is now 16-24 all-time against WWU and is 9-9 in home games…WWU won the season series 2-0 after picking up a 63-57 victory in Bellingham, Washington on December 1, 2018…Collins was one assist shy of her personal best of eight…Taryn Shelley went 5-for-6 from the foul line, notching her most made free throws in a game this year.
 
NEXT UP: The 2018-19 season comes to a close Saturday night, when the 'Jackets host Simon Fraser University. Tipoff is at 7 p.m., and a Senior Night ceremony will follow the game to honor Vanessa Stavish, Taylor Edwards, and Brina Hull. Live video with play-by-play commentary and live statistics will be available online via the MSUB Stretch Internet portal here.