The Retort

Yellowjackets Look for Alaskan Split

January 29th, 2010 by MSUB Athletics For The Retort

Montana State Billings women’s basketball was coming off a 85-63 setback to the 12th ranked Seawolves of Alaska Anchorage on January 14. They looked to rebound and stay near the top of GNAC standings as they took on the Nanooks of Alaska Fairbanks, on January 16. The game tipped-off from the Patty Center in Fairbanks. Live stats and game broadcasts will be availabler through the UAF website.

The Yellowjackets (8-5, 1-1) were trying to rebound from a dismal night in Anchorage on January 14. An outstanding shooting performance, 47.6 percent from the field, 53.8 percent from three-point range and 88.9 percent from the charity stripe, was marred by a season-high 34 turnovers, which included 26 steals by the Seawolves.

The Yellowjackets never led during the game but managed to keep the first half close, going into the break down just nine. Anchorage opened up the second half on a 23-8 run that stretched the lead to 24, 62-38. The Seawolves turned the 34 turnovers into 42 points and managed to outscore the Jackets in the paint 36-22.

MSUB had two players in double figures; Kayla Ryan dropped 18 points and collected six rebounds and a career-high five blocks, while Sarah McNamee had 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting including a perfect 4-of-4 from behind the arc. Kelcy Lott saw action for the first time this season, scoring two points and grabbing one rebound and one assist in ten minutes of play. Lott was called to action after starting the season with redshirt status, due to extensive injuries to other teammates.

Alaska Fairbanks (1-12, 0-2) was idol Thursday night, but have dropped twelve straight since opening the season with a 66-65 victory over Hawaii-Hilo Nov. 17. The Nanooks dropped their conference openers last week, falling to Western Washington, 92-46, in Bellingham and then 82-72 to Central Washington in Ellensburg.

Lakeshia Levi leads UAF in scoring and rebounds, averaging 16.5 points and 7.9 boards per game. UAF is shooting 33.6 percent from the floor this season and have been outscored by their opponents by 21 points on average.

MSUB leads the overall series against UAF, 38-11. The Yellowjackets have dominated the Nanooks both on the road (18-6) and at home (19-3). Entering this matchup, MSUB has won five-straight against the Nanooks including their last three in Fairbanks. UAF last defeated the Jackets on January 3, 2002 in Hawaii, and were last victorious at home on December 21, 2001.

Once the Yellowjackets return home from Fairbanks, they had just a few days to prepare before heading back out on the road to take on the current 21st nationally-ranked Falcons of SPU and Northwest Nazarene.