Box Score ELLENSBURG, WA (Jan. 16, 2014) - Central Washington University's women's basketball team was unable to contain the all-around play of Montana State University Billings, losing a 72-44 decision to the Yellowjackets on Thursday in Nicholson Pavilion.

The loss drops CWU to 6-9 overall and 1-6 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play. The Yellowjackets improved to 11-5 and 4-2.

The Wildcats opened the scoring when JESSICA VANDYKE (Chester, MT) sank a layup for the early 2-0 advantage, but MSUB 's Bobbi Knudsen drained a three-pointer on the next possession to take the lead with less than 2:30 off the clock.

It was an advantage the Yellowjackets held for the rest of the game.

The Wildcats initially kept it close, with JASMINE PARKER (Mead HS) cutting the deficit back to one (5-4) with a short jumper at the 16:09 mark. Unfortunately for the 'Cats, the Yellowjackets then went on a 13-0 run, stretching a small lead to a large cushion, 18-4, with 11:02 to play in the first half.

The Wildcats tried to again cut the disadvantage to something a bit more manageable as Ericka Locker (Ferndale HS) hit a perimeter shot and Parker scored six-straight points on two successful "and-one" opportunities after being fouled on each shot. The Wildcats trimmed MSUB's lead to 13 at that point.

Down by 17 points to open the second-half, the Wildcats showed a different energy coming out of the locker room. ALLY SCHMITT (Snohomish HS) sank a free throw and two straight layups, while COURTNEY JOHNSON (Kentwood HS) hit a jumper to open the second half with a 7-0 run, cutting the deficit to the Yellowjackets to 10 points.

It was the closest CWU would get to MSUB for the rest of the game.

The Yellowjackets responded with a 14-3 run, expanding their lead to 21 points with 9:29 to play.

Johnson led the Wildcats with nine points. Parker followed that with eight points, four rebounds and three blocks. VanDyke, who finished with five points, led the team with six boards. The Wildcats decided to play their reserves for much of the second-half. HANNAH SHINE (Lynden HS) and ANGELA WOODS (Edmonds-Woodway HS) both came off the bench with six points.

Janiel Olson led the Yellowjackets with 19 points and 13 rebounds.

CWU stays at home this weekend, hosting Seattle Pacific for a 7 p.m. tipoff on Saturday.