Monday, December 31
BOZEMAN
4 p.m.
Montana State University
vs
Northern Arizona
Cat Women Host Northern Arizona
12/30/2018 1:08:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Bobcat women’s basketball team will conclude its Big Sky season-opening week hosting Northern Arizona, Monday, Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. in Worthington Arena to ring in the New Year.
WHO: Northern Arizona at Montana State
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 @ 4 p.m. (MT)
WHERE: Bozeman, MT - Worthington Arena (6,772)
RECORDS: MSU- 6-5, 1-0; Northern Arizona- 4-6, 0-1
SERIES: Montana State leads 45-21
LAST MTG: Jan. 25, 2018 - MSU 78, @ NAU 56
RADIO: 103.5 KZMY FM with play-by-play from Jason Alvine
VIDEO: WatchBigSky.com; Pluto TV ch. 238
NEXT UP: The Bobcat women's basketball team will conclude its Big Sky season-opening week hosting Northern Arizona, Monday, Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. in Worthington Arena to ring in the New Year.
ON A SERIES NOTE: Montana State leads its all-time series with Northern Arizona 45-21. The Bobcats have won the last five straight and 14 of the last 15 from the Lumberjacks, including a season sweep last season. MSU defeated NAU in Worthington Arena, 81-39, on Dec. 30, and in Flagstaff, 78-56, on Jan. 25. Northern Arizona's last victory over Montana State (79-64) came on Jan. 24, 2015 in Flagstaff. The last time the Lumberjacks defeated the Bobcats (76-64) in Worthington Arena was on Jan. 28, 2010.
STAT OF THE WEEK: The Bobcats are now 18-13 all-time in league openers. The Big Sky Conference is in its 31st season of women's basketball. In her 14 years at the helm of the Montana State women's basketball program head coach Tricia Binford is 7-7 in conference openers, including Saturday's 69-64 victory over Southern Utah in Worthington Arena.
MORE ON THE LUMBERJACKS: Northern Arizona enters Monday's game 4-6 overall and 0-1 in Big Sky Conference action. Montana defeated NAU 78-62 on Saturday afternoon in Missoula. UM held a 20-19 lead after the first quarter, but the Lady Griz out-scored the Lumberjacks 18-8 in the second frame and maintained the margin throughout the rest of the contest. Northern Arizona had three players in double-figure scoring paced by Kaleigh Paplow with 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Also reaching double-digits were Lauren Orndoff 17 and Morgan Gary 10. On the season, the Lumberjacks have been led by Paplow, a 5-8 senior forward from Parker, Colorado. Paplow averages a team-best 16.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest. Also averaging double-figures is Khiarica Rasheed at 11.4 points per game. NAU's deep threat resides with Caitlin Malvar, who had connected on 17-45 from beyond the arc this season. Northern Arizona is under the direction of second-year head coach and former Havre High standout Loree Payne.
LOOKING AT LUNDBERG: Transfer Claire Lundberg has already made an impact on the court for the Bobcat women's basketball program. The Anoka High School product is third in the Big Sky averaging 18.2 points per contest. In addition, she is first in three-point field-goal percentage (37.9), second in free throw percentage (88.9), field-goals made (73), field-goal percentage (48.3) and points (200), and eighth in 3-point field-goals per game (2.0). Lundberg opened the season hitting her first 22 attempts from the charity stripe, just three shy to the record held by Rebecca Mercer. On the season, Lundberg has been in double-digit scoring in all 11 games, including four games with 20 points or more. She posted a season-high 28 points in MSU's win over Delaware on Nov. 16. Lundberg was named the Big Sky Conference Player of the Week for Nov. 20 after averaging 27 points and six rebounds per game as MSU knocked-off Delaware and Texas State in WNIT action. For the two games, the native of Andover, Minn., shot 76.2 percent from the field, 83.3 percent from beyond the arc; and was 17-17 at the charity stripe. In addition, she registered three steals. Lundberg threw a perfect game against Texas State hitting eight-of-eight from the field, four-of-four from long distance and six-of-six from the free throw line. On Saturday, Lundberg led MSU with a game-high 16 points, while hauling a season-best nine rebounds.
KUDERER'S KUDOS: Junior Martha Kuderer, who also sat out last season after transferring from Seton Hall, is averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game, after recording 15 points and five boards in MSU's win over Southern Utah on Saturday. Kuderer posted a season-best five steals against Omaha on Dec. 16. She had her best weekend of the season as Montana State faced Delaware and Texas State in the WNIT. The 5-11 forward from Eden Prairie, Minn., averaged 19 points and 7.5 rebounds, while shooting 62.5 percent from the field against the Blue Hens and Bobcats. Kuderer had her best outing against Texas State with a season-high 21 points, connecting on 8-12 from the floor. In MSU's win over Delaware, she posted 17 points and 10 rebounds for her first double-double as a Bobcat. On the season, she has been in double-digit scoring on four occasions.
HOLY MOLY, OLI: Oliana Squires is averaging 10.8 points per game through the first 11 games of the season. The Colorado Springs, Colo., product notched a season-high 19 points in MSU's win over Omaha on Dec. 16. Squires also notched a career-high eight assists and hauled down a career-high seven rebounds against the Mavs. In the season-opener against No. 19-ranked Marquette, Squires nailed four 3-pointers. She has been in double-digit scoring in seven of MSU's 11 games. Squires recorded 10 points in the fourth quarter against Southern Utah on Saturday and finished with 13 points, including a 7-of-7 effort at the line.
TORI, TORI, TORI: Montana State sophomore Tori Martell has connected on 15 three-pointers this season. The Somerset, Wis., native connected on 36 three-pointers, including 19 in the last eight games of the season, last winter. She is currently averaging 6.2 points per game. Martell recorded three points, three rebounds and two assists as the Bobcats defeated Southern Utah on Saturday afternoon in Worthington Arena.
BARDS OF THE BLOCK: Juniors Madeline Smith and Blaire Braxton have manned the blocks for the Bobcats the past two seasons. The duo has swapped starting time at the five and each average 18.3 minutes or more per contest. Braxton, a product of Highlands Ranch, Colo., is first on the team hauling down 5.7 rebounds per game, while Smith, from Snohomish, Wash., is second averaging 5.1 per contest. Braxton's best outing of the season came against Long Beach State with a career-high 15 points going 5-of-5 from the field and 5-of--5 from the line. Smith registered ten points and 11 boards against Long Beach State for her first double-double of the season. On the season, the duo is shooting an impressive 63 percent (55-87) from the floor.
THE WRIGHT STUFF: Freshman Halle Wright received her first start against TCU on Dec. 8. The Aumsville, Ore., product posted four assists and three rebounds in her debut against the Horned Frogs. Wright missed the first three games of the season with a leg injury. She had her best outing of the season in MSU's win over Long Beach State with eight points, three boards and two assists. Wright posted six points and six boards in MSU's win over Southern Utah on Saturday.
FEET TO THE FIRE: Freshman Gabby Mocchi has played in all 11 games and is averaging 1.9 points per game. She posted a season-best eight points at Wyoming on Nov. 27. Freshman Kamden Hilborn has played in 10 games and has dished out eleven assists, while adding nine steals. Against Southern Utah on Saturday, she dished out two assists and had one steal.
THROWING SHAIDE: Madisyn Shaide had a career night against then No. 19 Marquette. The Missoula native went 2-of-4 from beyond the arc for a career-high six points.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: The Cats saw the nation's second longest home court win streak snapped against Portland State on Jan. 11, 2018. The loss broke MSU's 31-game home streak, which was second to national power UConn (78). Before the loss to PSU, Montana State's last defeat in Worthington Arena was a 62-49 decision to San Diego on Nov. 24, 2015. MSU has won 38 of its last 41 games in The Brick. The Bobcats are averaging 2,540 fans per game, which includes its sold out crowd of 6,772 against Carroll College on Nov. 6. MSU is ranked 44th in the nation in attendance.
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 @ 4 p.m. (MT)
WHERE: Bozeman, MT - Worthington Arena (6,772)
RECORDS: MSU- 6-5, 1-0; Northern Arizona- 4-6, 0-1
SERIES: Montana State leads 45-21
LAST MTG: Jan. 25, 2018 - MSU 78, @ NAU 56
RADIO: 103.5 KZMY FM with play-by-play from Jason Alvine
VIDEO: WatchBigSky.com; Pluto TV ch. 238
NEXT UP: The Bobcat women's basketball team will conclude its Big Sky season-opening week hosting Northern Arizona, Monday, Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. in Worthington Arena to ring in the New Year.
ON A SERIES NOTE: Montana State leads its all-time series with Northern Arizona 45-21. The Bobcats have won the last five straight and 14 of the last 15 from the Lumberjacks, including a season sweep last season. MSU defeated NAU in Worthington Arena, 81-39, on Dec. 30, and in Flagstaff, 78-56, on Jan. 25. Northern Arizona's last victory over Montana State (79-64) came on Jan. 24, 2015 in Flagstaff. The last time the Lumberjacks defeated the Bobcats (76-64) in Worthington Arena was on Jan. 28, 2010.
STAT OF THE WEEK: The Bobcats are now 18-13 all-time in league openers. The Big Sky Conference is in its 31st season of women's basketball. In her 14 years at the helm of the Montana State women's basketball program head coach Tricia Binford is 7-7 in conference openers, including Saturday's 69-64 victory over Southern Utah in Worthington Arena.
MORE ON THE LUMBERJACKS: Northern Arizona enters Monday's game 4-6 overall and 0-1 in Big Sky Conference action. Montana defeated NAU 78-62 on Saturday afternoon in Missoula. UM held a 20-19 lead after the first quarter, but the Lady Griz out-scored the Lumberjacks 18-8 in the second frame and maintained the margin throughout the rest of the contest. Northern Arizona had three players in double-figure scoring paced by Kaleigh Paplow with 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Also reaching double-digits were Lauren Orndoff 17 and Morgan Gary 10. On the season, the Lumberjacks have been led by Paplow, a 5-8 senior forward from Parker, Colorado. Paplow averages a team-best 16.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest. Also averaging double-figures is Khiarica Rasheed at 11.4 points per game. NAU's deep threat resides with Caitlin Malvar, who had connected on 17-45 from beyond the arc this season. Northern Arizona is under the direction of second-year head coach and former Havre High standout Loree Payne.
LOOKING AT LUNDBERG: Transfer Claire Lundberg has already made an impact on the court for the Bobcat women's basketball program. The Anoka High School product is third in the Big Sky averaging 18.2 points per contest. In addition, she is first in three-point field-goal percentage (37.9), second in free throw percentage (88.9), field-goals made (73), field-goal percentage (48.3) and points (200), and eighth in 3-point field-goals per game (2.0). Lundberg opened the season hitting her first 22 attempts from the charity stripe, just three shy to the record held by Rebecca Mercer. On the season, Lundberg has been in double-digit scoring in all 11 games, including four games with 20 points or more. She posted a season-high 28 points in MSU's win over Delaware on Nov. 16. Lundberg was named the Big Sky Conference Player of the Week for Nov. 20 after averaging 27 points and six rebounds per game as MSU knocked-off Delaware and Texas State in WNIT action. For the two games, the native of Andover, Minn., shot 76.2 percent from the field, 83.3 percent from beyond the arc; and was 17-17 at the charity stripe. In addition, she registered three steals. Lundberg threw a perfect game against Texas State hitting eight-of-eight from the field, four-of-four from long distance and six-of-six from the free throw line. On Saturday, Lundberg led MSU with a game-high 16 points, while hauling a season-best nine rebounds.
KUDERER'S KUDOS: Junior Martha Kuderer, who also sat out last season after transferring from Seton Hall, is averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game, after recording 15 points and five boards in MSU's win over Southern Utah on Saturday. Kuderer posted a season-best five steals against Omaha on Dec. 16. She had her best weekend of the season as Montana State faced Delaware and Texas State in the WNIT. The 5-11 forward from Eden Prairie, Minn., averaged 19 points and 7.5 rebounds, while shooting 62.5 percent from the field against the Blue Hens and Bobcats. Kuderer had her best outing against Texas State with a season-high 21 points, connecting on 8-12 from the floor. In MSU's win over Delaware, she posted 17 points and 10 rebounds for her first double-double as a Bobcat. On the season, she has been in double-digit scoring on four occasions.
HOLY MOLY, OLI: Oliana Squires is averaging 10.8 points per game through the first 11 games of the season. The Colorado Springs, Colo., product notched a season-high 19 points in MSU's win over Omaha on Dec. 16. Squires also notched a career-high eight assists and hauled down a career-high seven rebounds against the Mavs. In the season-opener against No. 19-ranked Marquette, Squires nailed four 3-pointers. She has been in double-digit scoring in seven of MSU's 11 games. Squires recorded 10 points in the fourth quarter against Southern Utah on Saturday and finished with 13 points, including a 7-of-7 effort at the line.
TORI, TORI, TORI: Montana State sophomore Tori Martell has connected on 15 three-pointers this season. The Somerset, Wis., native connected on 36 three-pointers, including 19 in the last eight games of the season, last winter. She is currently averaging 6.2 points per game. Martell recorded three points, three rebounds and two assists as the Bobcats defeated Southern Utah on Saturday afternoon in Worthington Arena.
BARDS OF THE BLOCK: Juniors Madeline Smith and Blaire Braxton have manned the blocks for the Bobcats the past two seasons. The duo has swapped starting time at the five and each average 18.3 minutes or more per contest. Braxton, a product of Highlands Ranch, Colo., is first on the team hauling down 5.7 rebounds per game, while Smith, from Snohomish, Wash., is second averaging 5.1 per contest. Braxton's best outing of the season came against Long Beach State with a career-high 15 points going 5-of-5 from the field and 5-of--5 from the line. Smith registered ten points and 11 boards against Long Beach State for her first double-double of the season. On the season, the duo is shooting an impressive 63 percent (55-87) from the floor.
THE WRIGHT STUFF: Freshman Halle Wright received her first start against TCU on Dec. 8. The Aumsville, Ore., product posted four assists and three rebounds in her debut against the Horned Frogs. Wright missed the first three games of the season with a leg injury. She had her best outing of the season in MSU's win over Long Beach State with eight points, three boards and two assists. Wright posted six points and six boards in MSU's win over Southern Utah on Saturday.
FEET TO THE FIRE: Freshman Gabby Mocchi has played in all 11 games and is averaging 1.9 points per game. She posted a season-best eight points at Wyoming on Nov. 27. Freshman Kamden Hilborn has played in 10 games and has dished out eleven assists, while adding nine steals. Against Southern Utah on Saturday, she dished out two assists and had one steal.
THROWING SHAIDE: Madisyn Shaide had a career night against then No. 19 Marquette. The Missoula native went 2-of-4 from beyond the arc for a career-high six points.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: The Cats saw the nation's second longest home court win streak snapped against Portland State on Jan. 11, 2018. The loss broke MSU's 31-game home streak, which was second to national power UConn (78). Before the loss to PSU, Montana State's last defeat in Worthington Arena was a 62-49 decision to San Diego on Nov. 24, 2015. MSU has won 38 of its last 41 games in The Brick. The Bobcats are averaging 2,540 fans per game, which includes its sold out crowd of 6,772 against Carroll College on Nov. 6. MSU is ranked 44th in the nation in attendance.
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