Balanced Attack Lifts Bobcat Women to Victory

Thursday, January 12

Bozeman, MT

7:05 p.m.

Montana State University

WEBER STATE

Sophomore Ausha Cole

Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson

1/12/2012 10:20:00 PM | Women's Basketball

It wasn’t Montana State basketball, but it was a win as four Bobcat players reached double-figure scoring to post a 64-61 win over Weber State, Thursday night in Worthington Arena.

By: Tom Schulz

It wasn't Montana State basketball, but it was a win as four Bobcat players reached double-figure scoring to post a 64-61 win over Weber State, Thursday night in Worthington Arena.

“We need to get back to playing Montana State basketball, whether it's at home or on the road,” said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. “We missed a lot of easy shots and it just wasn't a typical night for us, but we will learn from the experience and move on to Northern Arizona on Saturday.”

Montana State (10-6, 2-2) built a 14-point cushion in the first half and held a 36-25 advantage at intermission, after shooting 45 percent from the field and connecting on six-of-eight free throws.

In the second stanza, Weber State (2-15, 0-4) had the hot hand and whittled the lead down to two points in the waning moments, but the Bobcats converted three tosses from the charity stripe in the final 30-seconds to earn the victory.

The Bobcats shot just 30 percent in the second half and went nine-of-16 from the line, while WSU hit at a 38 percent clip from the field.

Sophomore Ashley Albert paced MSU with 15 points, while Chelsea Banis added 13, Katie Bussey 11 and Rachel Semansky 10.

Montana State held a narrow 46-42 advantage under the boards and was led by Semansky with 13 rebounds. In addition, sophomore point-guard Ausha Cole came off the bench to post six points, a career-high seven steals, while dishing out five assists.

MSU will host Northern Arizona on Saturday at 2:05 p.m. in Worthington Arena.