by By Logan Tracy
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.”
