January 8, 2010
Billings, MT – Montana State Billings held on to pull out the 72-67 win over Saint Martin’s in the first Great Northwest Athletic Conference game for both teams Thursday night at Alterowitz Gym.
Trailing in the first half, MSUB put together a 12-1 run to close out the half and take a 37-35 lead into the break. The Saints struggled to start the second half, not scoring a field goal until the 13:54 mark when Dara Zack got a tip-in to make it 46-39 Yellowjackets.
Billings built their lead to as much as nine in the second half but with the score 67-59 Saint Martin’s hit six consecutive free throws to pull within two at 67-65. Billings hit a jumper and two free throws of their own to put it back to six as they were able to fend off the Saints.
SMU had four players in double figures on the night but it wasn’t enough. Zack had 20 points and nine rebounds on the night. Jamey Gelhar and Megan Teade each added 11 points while Katie Hawkins picked up a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.
The Yellowjackets, who improve to 8-4, were led by Sarah McNamee and Kalli Stanhope with 17 points apiece.
Saint Martin’s, who drops to an even 6-6 on the season, will return home to take on Northwest Nazarene on Saturday at 2pm.