ELLENSBURG, Wash- Sophomore guard Alexis Pana turned in her 13th double digit performance of the season with 11 points and two steals, but the Central Washington University women's basketball team fell short against Montana State University-Billings, 78-58, Thursday evening in Nicholson Pavilion.  
 
The Central Washington bench outscored the Yellowjackets 32-12, but MSUB held the advantage in rebounding (51-44), field goal percentage (39.7-28.1) and assists (20-8).
 
"Disappointing performance tonight as we struggled to get continuity offensiveluy and stops at the other end of the floor," CWU Head Coach Randi Richardson-Thornley said.  "We must use this break wisely and respond with intent to get after it on the road next week."
 
Kaelie Flores scored 12 points to go with three rebounds and a team-high two blocks. Junior Sadie Mensing registered nine points and added six rebounds and a steal.
 
Taylor Baird was perfect from the floor, scoring seven points and led CWU on the glass with eight rebounds.
 
MSUB launched a 17-5 run to open the game, which began with five points by Alisha Breen. The Yellowjackets' lead grew too as many as 17 (24-7), but a string of points from Taylor Baird and Taylor Shaw lessened their lead to ten (24-10). MSUB regained a 13-point lead (27-14) before the end of the quarter. The Yellowjackets held the Wildcats to a 27.8 field goal percentage in the first frame (5-18) and shot 50-percent (9-18).
 
The Wildcats continued to struggle from the field in the second quarter, shooting just 23.1-percent. Kaelie Flores kicked off Central's scoring effort after grabbing an offensive rebound and laying it back in. Trailing 33-20, the Wildcats made four consecutive free throws to pull within nine. Both teams traded baskets for the remainder of the half. Flores scored a jumper with 10 seconds remaining to pull within ten at the end of the half (38-28). The Wildcats held MSUB to a 22.2 shooting percentage and earned a 28-21 edge in rebounding.
 
After MSUB made the first basket in second half, Jasmin Edwards capitalized on a trip to the charity stripe to cut Central's deficit to 11 (41-30). The Yellowjackets built their lead back to 17 via an 8-2 spurt to grab a 51-34 advantage midway through the period. MSUB extended their lead to 22 (63-41) at the end of three.
 
The Wildcats could not work their way back into the game, eventually succumbing 78-58.
 
The Wildcats will rest this weekend before traveling to Bellingham, Wash. next Thursday to face Western Washington University. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. in Carver Gym.