Bobcats’ Fourth Quarter Play Stymies Texas State

Saturday, November 17

San Marcos, TX (KMMS 1450 AM)

5:30 p.m.

Montana State University

3-1

Texas State (WNIT)

1-2

Montana State

Texas State

Freshman Kamden Hilborn

Photo by: Kirby Crumpler

11/17/2018 8:48:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

“Claire and Martha had fantastic games,” said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. “We had a lot of foul trouble, but I thought we responded. Martha stepped-up when they made their run with some big-time effort and toughness plays down the stretch.”

By: Tom Schulz

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Montana State transfers Claire Lundberg and Martha Kuderer combined for 47 points and 11 rebounds to lift the Bobcats to a 67-59 victory over Texas State on Saturday night in consolation action of the preseason WNIT.

Lundberg, MSU's lone senior, had a perfect performance connecting on eight-of-eight from the field, including a four-of-four effort from long distance. In addition, she went six-of-six at the line to finish with a game-high 26 points, while also hauling down six rebounds.

Kuderer, who transferred to MSU from Seton Hall, gave Montana State (3-1) the lift they needed to overcome a four-point fourth quarter deficit scoring five consecutive points midway through the final frame to give the Bobcats the cushion it needed to earn the win. Kuderer finished with 21 points and five boards.

"Claire and Martha had fantastic games," said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. "We had a lot of foul trouble, but I thought we responded. Martha stepped-up when they made their run with some big-time effort and toughness plays down the stretch."

Montana State seemed in control in the opening half taking a 16-point lead on a Lundberg triple at the 7:02 mark of the second quarter. Texas State (1-2) whittled the margin down to 35-25 at intermission.

The Cats held a 12-point advantage early in the third quarter before TSU rattled off a 20-4 run to take a 47-43 leading heading into the final stanza. A three-pointer by Tori Martell and an old-fashion three-point play via Oliana Squires gave the Bobcats the lead for good. Following Kuderer's fourth quarter outburst at the midway mark, Texas State would get no closer than five points.

"We have an exciting group on our hands and the fact that we've pulled off these last two victories with not controlling possessions speaks a lot for their grit," Binford said. "There were a lot of different ways our kids responded in the game, individually and collectively, and they're seeing that staying together can pay big dividends."

Montana State finished the contest shooting 48.9 percent from the field, including eight 3-pointers. The Bobcats defense held Texas State to just 31.9 percent from the floor. MSU also won the battle of the board, out-rebounding TSU 37-33. Blaire Braxton guided the Bobcats with a game-high nine boards.

Freshmen Kamden Hilborn and Gabby Mocchi scored their first points as Bobcats, all from the charity stipe. Hilborn also added a game-high four assists and had three steals. Mocchi finished with four rebounds.

Texas State was led by Toshua Leavitt with 19 points.

MSU will be off until it travels to Wyoming on Nov. 27.