Yellowjackets Defeat Rocky Mountain College 70-54
Montana State University Billings secures a victory in an exhibition matchup to extend their winning streak in the rivalry.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball
Montana State University Billings secured a 70-54 win against Rocky Mountain College in an exhibition basketball game. The victory marks the ninth consecutive win for the Yellowjackets in the ongoing rivalry series.
Why it matters
This exhibition win serves as a crucial final tune-up for the Yellowjackets before the regular season begins. The performance highlights the team's ability to capitalize on defensive takeaways to fuel their offense.
Cassie Chesnut led the performance with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 steals, while Molly Hays recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. MSUB effectively closed the game by outscoring the opposition 20-8 in the fourth quarter.
The players
Montana State University Billings
This university supports the Yellowjackets athletic programs and competes in NCAA Division II basketball.
Rocky Mountain College
This institution is a collegiate rival based in Billings that competes in basketball against the Yellowjackets.
Cassie Chesnut
She is a standout performer for the Yellowjackets who contributed heavily to the scoring and defensive effort in the exhibition game.
Molly Hays
She is a key player for the Yellowjackets who was recognized as the Player of the Game for her double-double performance.
The details
The Yellowjackets utilized a transition offense generated from defensive takeaways and rebounds to pull away in the second half. Players moved the ball side to side and inside out to dismantle the defense and create consistent scoring opportunities.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: The exhibition game took place between MSUB and Rocky Mountain College.
Upcoming weekend: The Yellowjackets will begin play at the CWU DII Tipoff Classic.
Season Trajectory
This victory establishes momentum for the Yellowjackets as they prepare to transition from exhibition play into the competitive CWU DII Tipoff Classic. Success in these early contests is critical for setting the defensive tone and rotation patterns for the upcoming season.
The game provided a clear look at the starting rotation's efficiency, with key contributors like Cassie Chesnut and Molly Hays demonstrating significant impact on both ends of the floor. The fourth-quarter scoring margin suggests a high level of conditioning that will be tested during the tournament.
The takeaway
Maintaining a nine-game win streak against a local rival reinforces the team's tactical consistency heading into broader regional competition. Players looking to improve their impact should emulate the transition-focused offensive strategy utilized during this exhibition.
What happens next
The Yellowjackets are scheduled to play the University of Texas-Tyler during the upcoming weekend at the CWU DII Tipoff Classic.
Further reading
For more on the local team's performance, visit the Billings Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Billings Gazette.
