LACEY, WA — Saint Martin's Women's Basketball (12-8, 5-7 GNAC) hosted Montana State Billings this past Thursday in the annual Play4Kay Game in honor of the late, great Coach Kay Yow, her non-profit organization, and support women's cancer research.

The first quarter of the contest would see both Saint Martin's and Montana State Billings trade baskets, with each team going on their own scoring run to begin the game. Jada Travis would get to work early for the Saints, totaling 13 points in the game while grabbing six rebounds and contributing six assists in a well-rounded effort that has become standard for the true freshman. Sarah Lamet would match Travis's efforts in points and rebounds, grabbing 13 points and six boards, while also contributing two big blocks down the stretch to help the defensive effort. The game would be tied 14-14 after the first, but both defenses would step up closer to halftime. The Saints would limit the Yellowjackets' scoring opportunities, but would only score six points in the second period, keeping them an arms-length behind MSUB on the scoreboard. SMU would be faced with turnover trouble but would keep the game close into halftime, trailing 26-20.

Out of the break, the defenses were still red-hot for both teams. Kiana Rios would score seven points throughout the game, but more impressively led the team with seven rebounds to give the Saints more possessions while contributing four assists. Avery Oaster and Iternite Reed would be major contributors in the paint, each tallying four rebounds and a handful of points as the Saints continued to battle. The offense would continue to struggle to find points through the third quarter into the game's final stretch, but a late scoring run would help keep the Saints in the game until its closing moments. SMU would cut MSUB's lead to just three points in the final minute of the contest, but late free-throws would help the Yellowjackets pull away, 48-43. Madelyn Brown and Keeli Jade Smith would each finish the night with three rebounds and two points.

SMU Women's Basketball will be back in action on Saturday, February 8th at 3:00 PM as they take on Seattle Pacific at Marcus Pavilion. You can get tickets for the game here and secure your spot for the Warming Up With The Saints tailgate that begins at 2:00 PM.