BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings women's basketball team emerged victorious on home court, taking down in-state opponent Montana Western University 76-56.
 
The Yellowjackets (9-2, 2-0 GNAC) jumped ahead big in the first half, shooting efficiently as a team throughout the first half to take control of the game early, and never let the Bulldogs (4-3, 0-0 Frontier) find their way back into the game. The 'Jackets shot a combined 20-31 for the first two quarters (64.5%), dominating the paint to score seemingly at will around the basket.
 
"Tonight was a good overall team win," said MSUB associate head coach Alisha Breen. "Once again, our efforts on the glass and assist-to-turnover ratio led us tonight. We outrebounded them by 14, and had 22 assists tonight. If we keep doing that right, it puts us in a great spot moving forward."
 
Breen and the Yellowjackets looked slightly different than usual on the night, with the former Yellowjacket standout and all-time scoring leader taking the responsibilities of head coach for the game, while head coach Kevin Woodin acted as an assistant coach for the game.
 
"It's a fun experience," Breen said on taking the role of head coach for the game. "It gives me a whole new perspective for what Kevin has to do, and it's an absolute privilege that he trusts me enough to do that and gives me the opportunity to do so. He's also a great assistant, Kevin has such a great mind for the game, and I learn from him every day."
 
Kola Bad Bear finished with a team high 17 points for MSUB, while setting a new career high in assists with seven to go with four rebounds and a steal. Dyauni Boyce finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Aspen Giese had 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Natalie Andreas scored 11 points off the bench, grabbing three boards with an assist and a block. Six other Yellowjackets scored in the game, with the team shooting 56.4% overall in the game.
 
"It's great to see multiple players in double figures again," said Breen. "Our balanced scoring is one of the best aspects of this team."
 
The Yellowjackets started efficiently out the gate, shooting 60% from the field in the opening quarter. Most of MSUB's points came from the inside, with 16 of their 23 points in the paint, and missing just one shot from inside the three-point line. The Bulldogs would remain within distance of the lead at the conclusion of the first quarter, but after the teams traded baskets to begin the second quarter, the Yellowjackets would grow their lead after going on a 11-0 run in the middle of the quarter, increasing their shooting percentage to 68.8% over the quarter. The 'Jackets received contributions from up and down the roster with all nine players who entered the game in the first half getting on the scoresheet, taking a 47-25 lead into the half. The 'Jackets slowed their scoring slightly in the second half, but never let the Bulldogs get back into the game as they coasted to their ninth win of the season.
 
Shainy Mack led Montana Western in scoring with 12 points, while Jordan Sweeney had ten for the visitors. MSUB held the Bulldogs to 43.9% shooting from the field, and 26.1% shooting from three in the game.
 
THE BUZZ: Andreas was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets face a quick turnaround for their next game, taking on crosstown rival Rocky Mountain College in the second edition of the Rimrock Rivalry this season. The Yellowjackets defeated the Battlin' Bears 80-65 in exhibition play in the team's first meeting three weeks ago. Tipoff tomorrow is scheduled for 7:30 PM at Alterowitz Gym, with live video available here, and live statistics available here.