CARSON, Cali. – Playing in it's first NCAA Tournament since 2018, the Montana State University Billings women's basketball team had a clear declaration to make after their first game: We're not done dancing yet.
 
The Yellowjackets emerged victorious in their first round matchup over Cal State University Los Angeles, winning 69-66 in the meeting between the West Regions fourth and fifth seeded teams.
 
"I thought tonight was a great game," said Yellowjackets head coach Kevin Woodin. "Cal State LA came out strong, but I thought we really settled in and played well in the first half. We hit some key baskets, got some big stops, and pulled out a close win. The west region is so loaded, so to be one of those top teams in quite an accomplishment."
 
The Yellowjackets were steady on offense all night, shooting 41.9% in the game, and scoring between 16-20 points in every quarter. Taryn Shelley scored a team high 15 points, adding seven rebounds and a block for her efforts. Cariann Kunkel and Dyauni Boyce each had 13 points, going 5-10 and 5-11 from the field respectively, and collecting a pair of three pointers each. Aspen Giese finished with nine points and eight rebounds. Kortney Nelson had 11 points, grabbing seven rebounds and three assists while playing excellent defense on Cal State LA standout guard Lily Buggs.
 
"Kortney is a winner," said Woodin. "Whether she's making shots or not, she never gets down. She's a tough nosed player, she's always willing to take a charge, and she came up big for us tonight on both ends of the floor, making a huge difference for us down the stretch. She perfectly represents what we stand for as a team."
 
The Golden Eagles jumped out to a quick start, taking a 9-2 lead in the opening three minutes of the game. MSUB would respond quickly though, stopping the run and holding firm for the rest of the first quarter. The second one however, would be a different story entirely. After allowing 24 points in the opening ten minutes, the Yellowjackets allowed just six in the next quarter, holding Cal State LA's offense to just 12.5% shooting from the field. The 'Jackets kept their steady offensive production up, running into halftime with momentum and a 37-32 lead.
 
"LA is a good, explosive team," Woodin said. "They made a run at us early, but we regrouped and settled in. We played very good team defense in the second quarter. They attack hard off the dribble, but we didn't allow them to drive as easily, and matched that with some quality offense."
 
In the second half, Cal State LA slowly closed the gap. After being down as much as 11, the Golden Eagles chipped away at the Yellowjacket lead in the third quarter, and then took it back in the early fourth. All this set up a tense final period of action where both teams battled hard to avoid the end of their seasons. As they've done so many times this season though, MSUB found a way in a close game. Nelson drove it inside for a pair of big layups, and some big outside shots from Kunkel and Shayla Montague put the 'Jackets in the driver's seat late. The 'Jackets balanced attack would ultimately prove too much to overcome, as MSUB emerged with a 69-66 win, and their ticket to the next round punched.
 
"When you get to the regionals, the games are always going to be close," said Woodin. "You just have to believe in your hard work and fundamentals you've done all season. We've played a lot of close, tough games this year, and I think our players really respond well to that challenge. We did a good job of executing, and not beating ourselves."
 
Cal State LA was lead by Buggs, who scored 18 points, and Raya Smith who had 14. Silivia Fonongaloa added nine, and Yesenia Smith had eight points.
 
The Yellowjackets move on to the semifinals in the west, where they will face off against the top seed and host Cal State University Dominguez Hills.
 
"We're excited to move on. To be in the final four of your region is a great accomplishment, but we don't want to be done just yet. We've had high expectations all season, and were looking forward to a great challenge."
 
THE BUZZ: Nelson was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game… In three games all time between the two teams, MSUB is now 3-0…
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets take on Cal State University Dominguez Hills on Saturday, March 11, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 PM (8:30 PM MST). Live video for the games will be available here, while live statistics will be available here.