Bobcat Women in Battle at the Border Classic
12/27/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
This Week in Bobcat Women’s Basketball:
Battle at the Border Classic
Game No. 11 (UTPA Fieldhouse - Edinburg, TX - 4,000 )
Sunday, Dec. 28 Troy vs. Montana State Tip Time: 6 p.m. (MST)
Game No. 12 (UTPA Fieldhouse - Edinburg, TX - 4,000 )
Monday, Dec. 29 Montana State vs. UTPA/Albany Tip Time: 4/6 p.m. (MST)
Radio: KZMY 103.5 FM (Tyler Wiltgen)
Live Stats: none
Live Video Streaming: none
Next Up:
The Montana State women’s basketball team will end its non-conference schedule Sunday and Monday at the Battle at the Border Classic in Edinburg, Texas. The Bobcats, currently 5-5 overall after notching a 64-52 win over Idaho on Dec. 20, will face Troy at 6 p.m. (MST) on Sunday in opening round action, while host Texas-Pan American faces Albany in the other first-round contest. The championship game will be played 6 p.m., with the third place contest being played at 4 p.m. UTPA is 7-5 overall, after defeating Schreiner 73-36 prior to the Christmas break. The Broncs have not been defeated on its homecourt this season. Troy is 3-7 overall and 0-2 in Sun Belt Conference play. The Trojans suffered a 75-66 setback to Western Kentucky on Dec. 20. UAlbany is 1-9 overall. The Great Danes lost a 63-60 decision to St. Francis in their last outing.
That Was The Week That Was:
Montana State junior Jenny Heringer recorded her second double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds to rally the Bobcats to a 64-52 win over Idaho, Dec. 20. MSU got out to an early 16-8 lead at the 11:40 mark on a Heringer three-pointer. Idaho (3-7) answered with a 15-4 run to take a 23-20 margin with 4:14 remaining following a Rachele Kloke triple. The Vandals entered intermission with a 29-24 advantage. The Bobcats opened the second stanza with a 9-2 run to regain the lead at 33-31 on a Heringer three-pointer with 16:09 remaining. The Bobcats built their largest margin at 62-47 with 3:11 left on an Erica Perry free throw. Montana State outscored the Vandals 40-23 in the second half, shooting 55 percent from the field. MSU’s second-half run was sparked by Nubia Garcia with nine points, while Sarah Strand and Heringer each added eight. After committing eight turnovers in the first half, the Bobcats had just one miscue in the final stanza. Strand and Garcia each reached double-figures with 10 points, apiece. Perry ended the game with eight points, eight assists and seven rebounds.
Dialing Long Distance:
Montana State has converted 61 3-pointers this season. As a team, the Bobcats are shooting just 34 percent from beyond the arc. Five MSU players have tallied nine treys or better on the year.- led by Jenny Heringer with 20 3-pointers, and followed by Katie Bussey 11, Lyndi Seidensticker 10, Sarah Strand 9, and Anne Phippard 9.
Turnin’ It Around:
Montana State had the 11th best turnaround in the nation at the NCAA Division I from 2005-06 to 06-07, improving 8.5 games from its 3-23 mark during the 2005-06 campaign to 13-16 in 06-07. Last year, the Bobcats moved up again posting its first winning season under Tricia Binford’s tutelage with an 18-13 mark and an 11-5 Big Sky slate. The 2007-08 season culminated with a trip to the league title game for the first time since 2003.
To Catch A Thief:
Last year, Montana State finished second in the Big Sky in steals per game led by Erica Perry, who ended the season ranked 30th in the nation at 2.8 per contest. So far this winter, MSU is averaging 8.40 per game.
‘Cat Chat:
For the third consecutive year the Montana State women’s basketball team ranked among the nation’s finest in terms of academics. After ranking fourth in the country in 2006-07, MSU again found themselves listed in the upper echelon- listed in the top 15 with an overall team cumulative grade-point average of 3.392...Aside from their achievements on the court and in the classroom, the Bobcats enjoyed success at the ticket window. Montana State posted the fourth highest increase in attendance from the previous year at the NCAA Division I level. MSU averaged 3,035 fans last winter- an increase from 1,791 in 2006-07...The Bobcats finished 2007-08 with an 18-13 record and an 11-5 Big Sky Conference slate. After upsetting Idaho State in the semifinals at the league tournament, Montana State played in its first Big Sky championship game since 2003. The Bobcats also defeated every Big Sky team last season, a feat they last accomplished in 2002-03...MSU finished the 2007-08 season ranked 27th in the nation in scoring (73.2) and 28th in free throw percentage (75.1). The Bobcats were led by senior first-team All-Big Sky performer Rebecca Mercer, who averaged 18.4 points per game and 2.69 treys. MSU returns 57 percent of its offense this season, including top returning scorer Sarah Strand, who averaged 9.7 points per game.
BOBCAT PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Junior Jenny Heringer was named Montana State’s Player of the Week for the second consecutvie week for her effort in MSU’s 64-52 victory over the University of Idaho on Dec. 20. The Billings Central graduate paced the Bobcats with 16 points and 11 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. In addition, Heringer added a career-high six assists as well as one steal. She finished the game shooting 46 percent from the field, 50 percent (4-8) from three-point range in 39 minutes of action. On the season, Heringer leads the Bobcats in scoring (11.4) and three-pointers (20), while ranking second in assists (22) and rebounding (6.3).
The Scouting Report:
Troy University
“Trojans”
(3-7, 0-2)
G- Larelle Roper
5-7, Sr., Terrigal, Australia
3.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.0 apg
G- Kristen Smith
5-9, Fr., Pensacola, Florida
5.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 80% FT
G- Kylie Morrissy
5-10, Sr., Geelong, Australia
15.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 77% FT
F- Donette McNair
5-11, So., New London, Connecticut
11.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 7 blks.
F- Alyce Shearing
6-2, Jr., Melba, Australia
8.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 46% FG
Sunday’s game will mark the first meeting between Troy University and Montana State University. The Trojans hail from Troy, Alabama, and boast an enrollment of 28,255 students. Currently, Troy is 3-7 overall and 0-2 in Sun Belt Conference action. The Trojans dropped its two Sun Belt games to Middle Tennessee State and Western Kentucky. Troy’s three victories were over Jacksonville State, Austin Peay and Spring Hill College. Under the direction of Michael Murphy, who is in his seventh season with the Trojans, Troy notched a 13-18 overall record last winter, including a 5-13 mark in Sun Belt action- finishing sixth in the Eastern Division. Prior to the holiday break, the Trojans dropped a 75-66 decision to Western Kentucky. In the loss, Troy was led by Kylie Morrissy with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Alyce Shearing chipped in 14 points and ten boards. On the season, the Trojans are led in scoring by Morrissy and Donette McNair, who average 15.3 and 11.9 points per game. Troy also has a ‘Down Under’ feel as five players, including three starters, are from Australia. Despite never meeting the Trojans, the Bobcats are 2-5 all-time against Sun Belt Conference schools. MSU has faced Denver, Florida Atlantic, Louisiana-Lafayette and New Orleans.
The University of Texas-Pan American is part of the Great West Conference and have posted a 7-5 mark to date. Prior to the break, the Lady Broncs notched a 73-36 win over Schreiner. Last year, UTPA recorded an 11-18 overall record. Notable wins this season include Air Force, Rider and Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
Albany is 1-9 overall and resides in the America East Conference. The Great Danes lost a 63-60 decision to St. Francis prior to the Christmas break. UAlbany is led in scoring by Britney McGee, who averaged 13 points per contest. The Great Danes’ lone win this season was a 62-49 victory over Detroit. UAlbany is coached by former Virgina standout, Trina Patterson, who is in her 7th season.
Cover Girl:
Montana State senior Nubia Garcia is off to a strong start in non-conference action helping the Bobcats in scoring and rebounding, averaging 11.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. In her last seven games, Garcia has averaged 11.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per outing. Garcia, a 6-2 forward from Chihuahua, Mexico posted a career-high 20 points at San Diego State, connecting on 8-of-14 from the field. A three-time All Big Sky Conference Academic honoree, Garcia will be featured in January’s edition of CHAMPION magazine, published by the NCAA. The edition will feature NCAA student-athletes pursuing degrees in the Arts. Garcia, who is depicted in a self protrait on the cover, is majoring in photography. In addition, Garcia’s work will also be on display at the NCAA convention in Washington D. C.
Jenny, We Got Your Number:
Junior Jenny Heringer has made a significant impact on the Bobcat squad during the non-conference. A graduate of Billings Central and former Montana Gatorade Player of the Year, Heringer is averaging 11.4 points and 6.3 rebounds. A second-team all-conference selection last winter, she has been in double-digit scoring in six of MSU’s last seven games. Last weekend, she posted her second double-double of the year with 16 points and 11 rebounds in MSU’s win over Idaho. Heringer is also first on the squad, converting 20-of-52 three-pointers.
Ying-and-the-Yang:
The MSU women’s basketball squad leads the Big Sky averaging 74.2 points per game. The Bobcats are last in the BSC in scoring defense, giving up 76 points per contest.
Montana Ink:
Montana State head coach Tricia Binford announced five high school student-athletes who signed National Letters-of-Intent to compete for the Bobcats during the 2009-10 season. Inking with Montana State were Latisha Adams, a 5-foot-9 guard from Albuquerque, New Mexico; Ashley Albert, a 6-foot-1 forward from Hamilton, Montana; Chelsea Banis, a 6-foot-4 center from Fairfield, Montana; Kelsey Roben, a 5-foot-10 guard from Denver, Colorado; and Ally Schmitt, a 5-foot-7 from Snohomish, Washington.
For this week's complete basketball release, click on the 'PDF Version Available' link at the top of this page.
Battle at the Border Classic
Game No. 11 (UTPA Fieldhouse - Edinburg, TX - 4,000 )
Sunday, Dec. 28 Troy vs. Montana State Tip Time: 6 p.m. (MST)
Game No. 12 (UTPA Fieldhouse - Edinburg, TX - 4,000 )
Monday, Dec. 29 Montana State vs. UTPA/Albany Tip Time: 4/6 p.m. (MST)
Radio: KZMY 103.5 FM (Tyler Wiltgen)
Live Stats: none
Live Video Streaming: none
Next Up:
The Montana State women’s basketball team will end its non-conference schedule Sunday and Monday at the Battle at the Border Classic in Edinburg, Texas. The Bobcats, currently 5-5 overall after notching a 64-52 win over Idaho on Dec. 20, will face Troy at 6 p.m. (MST) on Sunday in opening round action, while host Texas-Pan American faces Albany in the other first-round contest. The championship game will be played 6 p.m., with the third place contest being played at 4 p.m. UTPA is 7-5 overall, after defeating Schreiner 73-36 prior to the Christmas break. The Broncs have not been defeated on its homecourt this season. Troy is 3-7 overall and 0-2 in Sun Belt Conference play. The Trojans suffered a 75-66 setback to Western Kentucky on Dec. 20. UAlbany is 1-9 overall. The Great Danes lost a 63-60 decision to St. Francis in their last outing.
That Was The Week That Was:
Montana State junior Jenny Heringer recorded her second double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds to rally the Bobcats to a 64-52 win over Idaho, Dec. 20. MSU got out to an early 16-8 lead at the 11:40 mark on a Heringer three-pointer. Idaho (3-7) answered with a 15-4 run to take a 23-20 margin with 4:14 remaining following a Rachele Kloke triple. The Vandals entered intermission with a 29-24 advantage. The Bobcats opened the second stanza with a 9-2 run to regain the lead at 33-31 on a Heringer three-pointer with 16:09 remaining. The Bobcats built their largest margin at 62-47 with 3:11 left on an Erica Perry free throw. Montana State outscored the Vandals 40-23 in the second half, shooting 55 percent from the field. MSU’s second-half run was sparked by Nubia Garcia with nine points, while Sarah Strand and Heringer each added eight. After committing eight turnovers in the first half, the Bobcats had just one miscue in the final stanza. Strand and Garcia each reached double-figures with 10 points, apiece. Perry ended the game with eight points, eight assists and seven rebounds.
Dialing Long Distance:
Montana State has converted 61 3-pointers this season. As a team, the Bobcats are shooting just 34 percent from beyond the arc. Five MSU players have tallied nine treys or better on the year.- led by Jenny Heringer with 20 3-pointers, and followed by Katie Bussey 11, Lyndi Seidensticker 10, Sarah Strand 9, and Anne Phippard 9.
Turnin’ It Around:
Montana State had the 11th best turnaround in the nation at the NCAA Division I from 2005-06 to 06-07, improving 8.5 games from its 3-23 mark during the 2005-06 campaign to 13-16 in 06-07. Last year, the Bobcats moved up again posting its first winning season under Tricia Binford’s tutelage with an 18-13 mark and an 11-5 Big Sky slate. The 2007-08 season culminated with a trip to the league title game for the first time since 2003.
To Catch A Thief:
Last year, Montana State finished second in the Big Sky in steals per game led by Erica Perry, who ended the season ranked 30th in the nation at 2.8 per contest. So far this winter, MSU is averaging 8.40 per game.
‘Cat Chat:
For the third consecutive year the Montana State women’s basketball team ranked among the nation’s finest in terms of academics. After ranking fourth in the country in 2006-07, MSU again found themselves listed in the upper echelon- listed in the top 15 with an overall team cumulative grade-point average of 3.392...Aside from their achievements on the court and in the classroom, the Bobcats enjoyed success at the ticket window. Montana State posted the fourth highest increase in attendance from the previous year at the NCAA Division I level. MSU averaged 3,035 fans last winter- an increase from 1,791 in 2006-07...The Bobcats finished 2007-08 with an 18-13 record and an 11-5 Big Sky Conference slate. After upsetting Idaho State in the semifinals at the league tournament, Montana State played in its first Big Sky championship game since 2003. The Bobcats also defeated every Big Sky team last season, a feat they last accomplished in 2002-03...MSU finished the 2007-08 season ranked 27th in the nation in scoring (73.2) and 28th in free throw percentage (75.1). The Bobcats were led by senior first-team All-Big Sky performer Rebecca Mercer, who averaged 18.4 points per game and 2.69 treys. MSU returns 57 percent of its offense this season, including top returning scorer Sarah Strand, who averaged 9.7 points per game.
BOBCAT PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Junior Jenny Heringer was named Montana State’s Player of the Week for the second consecutvie week for her effort in MSU’s 64-52 victory over the University of Idaho on Dec. 20. The Billings Central graduate paced the Bobcats with 16 points and 11 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. In addition, Heringer added a career-high six assists as well as one steal. She finished the game shooting 46 percent from the field, 50 percent (4-8) from three-point range in 39 minutes of action. On the season, Heringer leads the Bobcats in scoring (11.4) and three-pointers (20), while ranking second in assists (22) and rebounding (6.3).
The Scouting Report:
Troy University
“Trojans”
(3-7, 0-2)
G- Larelle Roper
5-7, Sr., Terrigal, Australia
3.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.0 apg
G- Kristen Smith
5-9, Fr., Pensacola, Florida
5.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 80% FT
G- Kylie Morrissy
5-10, Sr., Geelong, Australia
15.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 77% FT
F- Donette McNair
5-11, So., New London, Connecticut
11.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 7 blks.
F- Alyce Shearing
6-2, Jr., Melba, Australia
8.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 46% FG
Sunday’s game will mark the first meeting between Troy University and Montana State University. The Trojans hail from Troy, Alabama, and boast an enrollment of 28,255 students. Currently, Troy is 3-7 overall and 0-2 in Sun Belt Conference action. The Trojans dropped its two Sun Belt games to Middle Tennessee State and Western Kentucky. Troy’s three victories were over Jacksonville State, Austin Peay and Spring Hill College. Under the direction of Michael Murphy, who is in his seventh season with the Trojans, Troy notched a 13-18 overall record last winter, including a 5-13 mark in Sun Belt action- finishing sixth in the Eastern Division. Prior to the holiday break, the Trojans dropped a 75-66 decision to Western Kentucky. In the loss, Troy was led by Kylie Morrissy with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Alyce Shearing chipped in 14 points and ten boards. On the season, the Trojans are led in scoring by Morrissy and Donette McNair, who average 15.3 and 11.9 points per game. Troy also has a ‘Down Under’ feel as five players, including three starters, are from Australia. Despite never meeting the Trojans, the Bobcats are 2-5 all-time against Sun Belt Conference schools. MSU has faced Denver, Florida Atlantic, Louisiana-Lafayette and New Orleans.
The University of Texas-Pan American is part of the Great West Conference and have posted a 7-5 mark to date. Prior to the break, the Lady Broncs notched a 73-36 win over Schreiner. Last year, UTPA recorded an 11-18 overall record. Notable wins this season include Air Force, Rider and Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
Albany is 1-9 overall and resides in the America East Conference. The Great Danes lost a 63-60 decision to St. Francis prior to the Christmas break. UAlbany is led in scoring by Britney McGee, who averaged 13 points per contest. The Great Danes’ lone win this season was a 62-49 victory over Detroit. UAlbany is coached by former Virgina standout, Trina Patterson, who is in her 7th season.
Cover Girl:
Montana State senior Nubia Garcia is off to a strong start in non-conference action helping the Bobcats in scoring and rebounding, averaging 11.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. In her last seven games, Garcia has averaged 11.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per outing. Garcia, a 6-2 forward from Chihuahua, Mexico posted a career-high 20 points at San Diego State, connecting on 8-of-14 from the field. A three-time All Big Sky Conference Academic honoree, Garcia will be featured in January’s edition of CHAMPION magazine, published by the NCAA. The edition will feature NCAA student-athletes pursuing degrees in the Arts. Garcia, who is depicted in a self protrait on the cover, is majoring in photography. In addition, Garcia’s work will also be on display at the NCAA convention in Washington D. C.
Jenny, We Got Your Number:
Junior Jenny Heringer has made a significant impact on the Bobcat squad during the non-conference. A graduate of Billings Central and former Montana Gatorade Player of the Year, Heringer is averaging 11.4 points and 6.3 rebounds. A second-team all-conference selection last winter, she has been in double-digit scoring in six of MSU’s last seven games. Last weekend, she posted her second double-double of the year with 16 points and 11 rebounds in MSU’s win over Idaho. Heringer is also first on the squad, converting 20-of-52 three-pointers.
Ying-and-the-Yang:
The MSU women’s basketball squad leads the Big Sky averaging 74.2 points per game. The Bobcats are last in the BSC in scoring defense, giving up 76 points per contest.
Montana Ink:
Montana State head coach Tricia Binford announced five high school student-athletes who signed National Letters-of-Intent to compete for the Bobcats during the 2009-10 season. Inking with Montana State were Latisha Adams, a 5-foot-9 guard from Albuquerque, New Mexico; Ashley Albert, a 6-foot-1 forward from Hamilton, Montana; Chelsea Banis, a 6-foot-4 center from Fairfield, Montana; Kelsey Roben, a 5-foot-10 guard from Denver, Colorado; and Ally Schmitt, a 5-foot-7 from Snohomish, Washington.
For this week's complete basketball release, click on the 'PDF Version Available' link at the top of this page.
Wednesday, June 10
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
