Slow Start Difficult to Overcome in Season-Opener for Bobcat Women

Friday, November 14

Boise, ID

7 p.m.

Montana State University

0-1

Boise State University

1-0

Montana State

Boise State

Junior Jasmine Hommes had 15 points and four rebounds against Boise State on Friday night.

Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson

Slow Start Difficult to Overcome in Season-Opener for Bobcat Women

11/14/2014 10:02:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

“But credit our kids for regaining composure and chipping away at the lead,” Binford said.

By: Tom Schulz

Boise State jumped out to an early 20-point advantage in the first nine minutes turning turnovers into points and rebounds into second chance opportunities, en route to a 75-60 win over Montana State, Friday night in Taco Bell Arena in the season-opener for both teams.

Montana State (0-1) eventually gained its composure and chopped the margin to 39-29 at intermission. The Bobcats committed 17 turnovers in the opening stanza and were out-rebounded on the offensive glass 12-5.

"We weren't ready to start the game, mentally," MSU Head Coach Tricia Binford said. "I think their pressure got to us. They had a ton of second and third chances and against a team with size, athleticism and speed like Boise State you can get into a hole very quickly.

"But credit our kids for regaining composure and chipping away at the lead," Binford said.

In the second half, Boise State (1-0) pushed its advantage to 18-points at the 16-minutes, 26-seconds mark, before the Bobcat defense stymied the Broncos, and allowed MSU to rattle off an 18-5 run to close to within 52-47 over a span of five-minutes.

BSU quickly responded with a 16-4 stretch over the next six minutes to secure the win.

"Jasmine (Hommes) picked up her fifth foul with just under ten-minutes left and that hurt us, especially with fatigue," Binford said. "On positive note, I'm happy with how we competed and were able to give ourselves a chance, but we have to play a more complete game as we move forward."

Hommes paced the Bobcats with 15 points, connecting on seven-of-11 from the field. Also in double-figures for MSU were Lindsay Stockton 12 and Jackie Elliott 10. Stockton also finished with a game-high eight assists, while Elliott led Montana State under the boards with a game-high nine rebounds. Freshman Hannah Caudill came off the bench to guide the Bobcats from beyond the arc converting three-of-eight attempts.

Boise State was led by Deanna Weaver with a game-high 18 points, to go along with nine rebounds and two assists.

Montana State will play at Cal State Fullerton on Sunday afternoon.