MONMOUTH, Ore. – Enduring a quiet night offensively Friday at the New P.E. Building, the Montana State University Billings women's basketball team fell 66-57 at the hands of Great Northwest Athletic Conference opponent Western Oregon University.
 
The Wolves limited the Yellowjackets to a season-low field-goal percentage of 30.5 (18-for-59), which included a mark of just 13.6 percent from 3-point range (3-for-22). MSUB's record moved to 8-8 with the defeat, and the Yellowjackets also moved to .500 in conference play at 2-2. "We shot the ball extremely poorly tonight and that was the difference in the game," said MSUB head coach Kevin Woodin. "Taryn and Cariann were able to get some interior hoops but our mid range and 3-point game were non-existent. We need better execution and spacing and have to be more confident. It is critical we have more balanced scoring tomorrow. Give Western Oregon a lot of credit. They played better as the game progressed and outscored us in the final three quarters."
 
Taryn Shelley posted a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double, and Cariann Kunkel contributed 13 points and six rebounds to lead the Yellowjackets. Despite dominating the glass 40-29, and winning the turnover battle 16-14, the Yellowjackets didn't make enough shots on Friday to make those numbers count. "The game started slow from a scoring standpoint," said Woodin. "I felt fortunate to be up five after the first quarter as both teams were struggling offensively. Our defense kept us in the game tonight and I thought our team overall rebounded very well."
 
Tresai McCarver led all players with 21 points, and tied for the team high with six rebounds. Alexis Wright chipped in 16 points and six rebounds, and Cali McClave also reached double figures with a dozen points while adding five rebounds and five assists. The Wolves shot a solid 43.1 percent in the game, while making 5 of 13 threes (38.5 percent).
 
WOU also made 17 of 20 free throws (85.0 percent), including a mark of 11-for-12 in the fourth quarter as MSUB's fouls to stop the clock were converted into points that helped the hosts maintain the advantage through the final buzzer.
 
Both teams endured a cold start to the night, with the first points coming from Shelley at the free throw line nearly three minutes into the game. Kunkel made the first field goal of the evening after the teams opened the game a combined 0-for-12 through the first 4:30 of play.
 
McCarver and Caitlin Wheeler hit back-to-back threes as time wound down in the second quarter, as the Wolves pulled the score even 25-25 at halftime.
 
The Wolves' run continued immediately coming out of the locker room, as the hosts scored the first four points of the second half to take their first lead of the night at 29-25. Shelley picked up her fourth foul just three minutes into the third quarter, and the Wolves took advantage as they built their lead to 35-29 midway through the period.
 
A dry spell that lasted more than three minutes to close the first half and open the second proved costly for the 'Jackets, as the Wolves gained momentum and took a lead that they never relinquished the rest of the night.
 
Kunkel boosted the 'Jackets with five quick points, including the team's first trey of the evening with just over five minutes left in the third. The push got MSUB within a single point down 35-34, but McCarver responded with a jumper, McClave converted a three-point play, and Wright made a putback layup to give the Wolves a six-point lead by the end of the quarter.
 
Playing catchup for the length of the fourth quarter, the Yellowjackets looked to find rhythm from the arc. Danielle Zahn connected on a three with two minutes left in the game, cutting the deficit to six points at 55-49. Aspen Giese followed with the team's third three inside of a minute to play, but by then the 'Jackets were out of time as the Wolves took care of business from the foul line.
 
WOU improved to 7-5 overall with the win, and is now 3-2 in conference play.
 
THE BUZZ: Shelley was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…the double-double was Shelley's fourth of the year and the 22nd of her career in an MSUB uniform…the seven points WOU scored in the first quarter were the fewest allowed by the Yellowjackets to any opponent in a quarter this season…the first half Friday was just the second half this season MSUB went without a made 3-pointer…MSUB is now 28-9 all-time against WOU and is 14-6 in road games against the Wolves.
 
NEXT UP: Facing a quick turnaround, the 'Jackets are back in action tomorrow night with a 5:15 p.m. (PST) tipoff at Saint Martin's University in Lacey, Wash. Live coverage for Saturday's game against the Saints will be available online here.