Montana State University
Denver
Bobcat Women Eager for Home Opener
11/29/2010 4:38:43 PM | Women's Basketball
After playing its first six games away from Worthington Arena, the Montana State women’s basketball team will host the University of Denver, Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.
After playing its first six games away from Worthington Arena, the Montana State women's basketball team will host the University of Denver, Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.
“Obviously, we are looking forward to being at home and in front of our fans,” said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. “We have had a very challenging schedule and we're excited with some things that are happening on the floor. However, we still have a lot to accomplish before the Big Sky Conference season begins.”
Montana State (2-4) dropped a pair of games last weekend at the Seattle U Thanksgiving tournament, including a 66-56 setback to the Redhawks and a 51-48 decision to Arkansas-Little Rock.
The Bobcats will look to regain its shooting touch after going just 36.5 percent from the field and 21 percent from three-point range in its last two outings.
On the season, four Bobcat players are averaging double-figures, led by Lyndi Seidensticker, who is averaging 14.3 points per game. Also in double-digits are Katie Bussey 13.2, Sarah Balian 11.8, and Chelsea Banis 10.7.
MSU has also been out-rebounded in four games, averaging 37.3 boards per contest. Balian and Rachel Semansky guide the Bobcats under the glass averaging 8.8 and 8.0 rebounds, respectively.
Sophomore point guard Ally Schmitt has stepped into the starting spot following a season-ending injury to Ashley Albert. The native of Snohomish, Wash., is second in the Big Sky Conference averaging 5.5 assists per outing. In addition, she leads the league in assist-to-turnover ratio and matched a career-high 10 points in MSU's three-point loss to UALR.
“Ally has really stepped up to the challenge of running the offense,” Binford said. “With each game her confidence grows.”
Denver enters Tuesday's game with a 2-3 overall mark. Last weekend, the Pioneers defeated Stephen F. Austin 88-76 and dropped a 73-51 decision to No. 18 Georgia. DU is paced by 5-11 forward Kaetlyn Murdoch, who is averaging 17.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.
Following its home contest with Denver, the Bobcats will head back on the road with games at UC Riverside and UCLA, this weekend.
