BILLINGS, Mont. - Central Washington University women's basketball suffered a tough loss on the road Thursday night to start the New Year Against Montana State Billings. The Wildcats fell 63-45 to the Yellowjackets.
 
CWU (7-5, 2-2 GNAC) never found a rhythm in the game and shot just 33.3% from the floor. The Yellowjackets (7-5, 2-1 GNAC) shot 41.4% overall to secure the win at home and enter the New Year on a high note.
 
"Our team came out lethargic against a hardworking and tough MSU Billings team. Credit to MSU Billings for playing together and with energy and excitement," CWU Head Coach Randi Richardson-Thornley said. "Our team needs to reflect and respond appropriately in order to compete at a higher level and win games in the GNAC."
 
The game had a very slow start as the two teams combined for just 16 points in the first 10 minutes of action. Defense was a theme early on but both teams struggled to make shots early and it was just a 9-7 game after one quarter in favor of the 'Jackets.
 
Pace and tempo was the focus in the second frame as the Wildcats scored 16 points and the Yellowjackets added 20. The back-and-forth flow of the game made things interesting in the second quarter but the 'Jackets held the edge after the first half, 29-23.
 
CWU had its moments to stay in front but MSU Billings but late offensive pushes helped the home team keep the lead in the final moments of play. CWU led 17-16 with 16:25 to play in the second on a Kassidy Malcolm triple but MSU Billings answered with a 13-6 run to lead by six at halftime.
 
The third quarter was the difference maker as the Wildcats fell victim to the 'Jackets scoring 27 points while they managed just eight in the span. The Yellowjackets surge proved to be too much and after the third quarter, CWU found itself down by 25 points, 56-31.
 
The fourth quarter went in the favor of the Crimson and Black who scored 14 points and held MSU Billings to just seven. Despite the difference, a third quarter struggle became the difference maker in the Wildcats 18-point road loss.
 
Malcolm led the way for CWU scoring 12 points in her first start of the year. Alexis Pana was the only other double figure scorer with 10 points. Samantha Bowman led the way in rebounding with seven.
 
CWU is back in action on Jan. 9 with another road game, this time in the "Last Frontier" of Alaska. The Wildcats take on the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves with tip-off set for 6:15 p.m. PT.