
Senior Madeline Smith in the first meeting with Idaho State.
Cat Fight: Bobcats Face Bengals
2/12/2020 3:29:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Big Sky’s two hottest teams will meet in Pocatello on Thursday, Feb. 13 as the Bobcats face Idaho State at 7 p.m. in Reed Gym.
WHO: Montana State at Idaho State
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 @ 7 p.m. (MT)
WHERE: Pocatello, Idaho - Reed Gym (3,040)
RECORDS: MSU: 15-6, 11-1; Idaho State: 12-10, 8-5
SERIES: Montana State leads Idaho State 45-37
LAST MTG: Jan. 25, 2020 - @MSU 67, Idaho State 59
RADIO: Live on My 103.5 FM with Jason Alvine on the call; pregame begins 15-minutes prior to opening tip.
STATS: Live statistics can be accessed at bobcatstats.com; running play-by-play and boxscore are available
VIDEO: Montana State's game at Idaho State is available on Pluto TV (Channel 543) and at WatchBigSky.com
HEADING DOWN THE I-15 CORRIDOR: The Montana State women's basketball squad will travel down the I-15 corridor this weekend for a pair of Big Sky Conference road games. The Big Sky's two hottest teams will meet in Pocatello on Thursday, Feb. 13 as the Bobcats face Idaho State at 7 p.m. in Reed Gym. The Cats enter the contest riding a seven-game win streak, while the Bengals are on a four-game run. MSU will close out the weekend at Weber State, Saturday, Feb. 15 in Ogden, Utah. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m. in the Dee Events Center.
SERIES NOTE: MSU holds a 45-37 advantage in the all-time series dating back to the 1977-78 season. Three weeks ago, the Bobcats beat the Bengals 67-59 in Bozeman. The win snapped a two-game losing streak to ISU. Montana State and Idaho State are 5-5 in the last ten contests, including a pair of overtime games. MSU's last win in Pocatello came on Feb. 28, 2018 in a 61-60 victory on a Hannah Caudill layup following an Oliana Squires steal as time expired.
CAT OF THE WEEK: Tori Martell led MSU last week averaging 12.5 points per game, while shooting 53.5% from the field and 63.6% from long distance.
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS: MSU has done a solid job on the defensive end this season. The Bobcats lead the Big Sky in rebounding (44.3 rpg), rebound margin (+9.2 rpg) and steals (10.5 spg), are listed second in field-goal percentage defense (36.2%) and rebound defense (35.2 rpg) and are third in scoring defense 60.5 ppg), 3-pt. FG% (31.3%) and defensive rebounds (28.4 rpg). Montana State boasts five players that average 4.8 rebounds or better in league play led by Fallyn Freije (8.9), Darian white (5.6), Madeline Smith (5.1), Blaire Braxton (4.8) and Martha Kuderer (4.7).
OFFENSE HELPS, TOO: Montana State is also one of the top offensive squads in the Big Sky Conference. The Bobcats lead the league in scoring margin (+16.5 ppg) and offensive rebounds (15.9 rpg), are listed second in scoring (77.0 ppg) and field-goal percentage (43.2%) and are fourth in assists (14.0 apg). Three Bobcats rank in the top 25 in Big Sky games in scoring, including Fallyn Freije (T5th, 14 ppg), Darian White (T14th, 12.3 ppg) and Martha Kuderer (11.1 ppg).
NOTABLES:
*Darian White's 2.52 steals per game is the third highest total in the nation by a freshman this season. Mikayla Woods of UTSA is tops at 2.67 per game and Buffalo's Dyaisha Fair second at 2.63 per contest.
*Darian White's 53 steals on the season is the third highest total in the nation this winter. White ranks behind Buffalo's Dyaisha Fair (65) and Butler's Oumou Toure (55). The all-time Montana State record for steals in a single season belongs to Liz Holz (124) set during the 1988-89 season.
*Darian White's 83.8% free throw percentage ranks third in the country for freshmen. She ranks behind Haley Frank of Missouri (91.4%) and Lotta Vehka- Aho of Florida Atlantic (85.0).
*As a team, the Bobcats have recorded six games with 50 or more rebounds this season, including a high of 59 boards in its win at Sacramento State on Dec. 28.
*The 2019-20 Bobcats are giving up 60.4 points per game, making it one of the stingiest defenses in school history. The mark currently ranks second all-time at MSU. The 1986-87 Bobcats hold the all-time mark for fewest points allowed per game at 59.4.
MORE ON THE BENGALS: After Montana State's current seven-game win streak, Idaho State boats the league's second longest run winning four consecutive games. The Bengals have not dropped a game since losing to the Bobcats 67-59 on Jan. 25 in Bozeman. Since that time, ISU has rattled off victories over No. Colorado (59-39), So. Utah (73-54), No. Arizona (79-76) and Sacramento St. (75-51). Callie Bourne leads ISU in scoring averaging 12.5 points per game. Bourne has recorded double-digit points the last eleven games and has reached double-digit points in all but four games this season. Dora Goles, who averages 11.1 points per contest, has produced double-digits in nine of 13 conference games while Diaba Konate (9.9 ppg) follows with double-digits in five conference games including a career-high 32 points against Northern Arizona on Feb. 6. Nationally, Idaho State is No. 11 in three-point field goal percentage (.376), No. 42 in field goal percentage (.439), No. 53 in assists per game (15.3), No. 55 in 3-point field goal defense (.285).
BOBCATS VS. TOP 25: Montana State is 3-24 all-time against teams ranked in the AP Top 25 or USA Today/WBCA Coaches polls, following its 78-67 loss to No. 11 Texas A&M on Dec. 21 in Puerto Rico. MSU's victories have come over Montana, twice, when the Lady Griz were ranked. The Bobcats defeated #17 Montana (58-52 in Bozeman) on March 4, 1994 as well as #16 Montana (58-56 in Bozeman) on March 5, 1988. MSU's other victory of a top 25 school came at #21 Boise State (69-68) on Jan. 28. 1994. The highest ranked team Montana State has played was #2 Baylor on Nov. 13, 2010- a 93-56 loss in Waco.
HOLY MOLY, OLI: Oliana Squires, a 2019-20 preseason All-Big Sky pick, is currently averaging 10.9 points per game, third highest on the squad. She became the 24th member of MSU's 1000-point club on Jan. 4 after posting 11 points in MSU's win over Southern Utah. Her career 1,064 points ranks 19th all-time. Squires notched a season-high 17 points at Seattle U on Nov. 30. She's been in double-digit scoring in 15 of 19 games. Squires dished out a season-best seven assists at Sacramento State on Dec. 28 and had a season-best four steals against Wichita State in Puerto Rico. The senior tri-captain has posted 29 three-pointers and 60 assists this season. Last winter, Squires earned All-Big Sky Third-Team accolades after guiding the Bobcats averaging 11.4 points, 3.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and a steal per game.
MAD ABOUT YOU: Madeline Smith, who has started all 21 games for the Bobcats, is currently averaging 8.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Smith posted her third double-double of the year leading MSU to a double overtime win at E. Washington on Jan. 18 with 14 points and 13 rebounds. The Snohomish, Wash., product posted MSU's first double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds in the Cats' victory over MSU Northern on Nov. 17. After 20 games, Smith is shooting 52.6% from the field, which leads the team. Last winter, Smith was third in the Big Sky in field-goal percentage, shooting 53.7% from the floor. She had ten games in double-figure scoring and posted a career-high 27 points against Southern Utah. Her current total of 621 rebounds ranks 15th all-time.
MARTHA'S MOMENTS: Martha Kuderer has started in all 21 games and is averaging 9.4 points and 4.5 rebounds, while shooting 46.7%. She has been in double-digits on eight occasions, including a career-high 23 points to lead MSU to a victory over Sacramento State Dec. 28. In Big Sky games, the Eden Prairie, Minn., product is averaging 11.1 points per game, while shooting 47.5% from the field. In addition, she is hitting at a 46.7% percent clip from beyond the arc and has connected on 15-of-32 three-pointers over the last 12 league games.
BOUNDING WITH BLAIRE: Blaire Braxton, who played in all 31 games, including seven starts for the Bobcats, last winter, is currently averaging 4.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Braxton posted a season-high 12 points in Montana State's win over Weber State on Jan. 23, connecting on three-of-four from the line and career six-of-six from the free throw line. In addition, she added seven rebounds and a blocked shot. Braxton is currently 13th on MSU's all-time rebounding chart with 641 boards. Last winter, Braxton averaged 7.0 points per outing and notched seven games in double-figure scoring, including a career-high 18 points against Idaho. She also recorded two double-digit rebounding games, including a season-high 13 boards in MSU's win at Eastern Washington. She saw remarkable improvement in field-goal percentage shooting a team-best 55.8% from the field.
PRESEASON MVP: Despite not playing in a game for over a year and not ever wearing the Blue and Gold, senior Fallyn Freije was named preseason Big Sky Conference MVP. The Edmore, N.D. product played three seasons at North Dakota before transferring to Bozeman. Freije was a two-time All-Big Sky performer for the Fighting Hawks, where she averaged 13.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game as a junior. She played in 90 games and started in 58. Freije has recorded 1,112 points and has amassed 669 rebounds over the course of her collegiate career.
DEEP FREIJE: Senior Fallyn Freije is currently averaging a team-best 13.0 points per game. She is first on the squad pulling down 8.0 rebounds, as well. On the season, Freije has been in double-digit scoring on 16 occasions, including a career-high 27 points in MSU's overtime win at Montana on Feb. 1 in Missoula. Freije posted her fourth double-double of the season with 27 points and 14 rebounds at Montana. The 14 boards were a new career best. Over the past six games, Freije has averaged 13.8 points and 9.3 rebounds, while shooting 41.1% from the field and 88.9% (24-27) from the line.
BARDS OF THE BLOCK: Madeline Smith and Blaire Braxton have manned the blocks for the Bobcats the past four seasons and on Feb. 1 at Montana became the all-time senior tandem in MSU history when it comes to rebounding. The duo has combined for 1,262 rebounds, surpassing the old mark of 1,248 boards held by the senior duo of Blythe Hommes and Julie Brown (1997). Other top senior combos include Alaina Bauer/Sandy Neiss, 1,196 (1991); & Kelly Martin/Serena Merrill, 1,034 (2001).
TORI, TORI, TORI: Tori Martell has connected on 37 3-pointers this season. She is averaging 7.8 points per game and is shooting 45.6% from the field and 40.7% from long distance. Martell, who filled in for Oliana Squires for four games, notched a season-high 17 points in MSU's double overtime win at E. Washington on Jan. 18 connecting on five-of-10 from the field, including four 3-pointers on Jan. 18. As part of the starting rotation, she averaged 12 points per game and connected on 11 three-pointers.
FRESH START: True-freshman Darian White is making a good impression in the Blue and Gold. The Boise, Idaho product has started all 21 games and is second on the team averaging 11.4 points game. She has been in double-figure scoring 15 times. White notched a season-high 23 points in MSU's double overtime win at E. Washington on Jan. 18. White connected on eight-of-15 from the field and went 6-of-6 at the line. In addition, she pulled down nine rebounds, dished out seven assists and had five steals. In Big Sky Conference play, White has averaged 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.1 steals per game. White is currently ranked 33rd in the nation in steals per game 2.52 per contest. Last winter, she was the Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year.
ALL JACKED UP: Madison Jackson has averaged 15.4 minutes over 21 games. The Parma, Idaho native is averaging 5.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. She recorded a season-high 15 points in Montana State's win at E. Washington on Jan. 18. Jackson's points came from beyond the arc as she connected on 5-of-8 triples. Jackson was an Idaho state champion in the 100 and 330-meter hurdles, the high jump and as a member of the 4X400-meter relay.
I'LL HAVE A KOLA, PLEASE: Kola Bad Bear is averaging 2.5 points and 2.7 rebounds per game over the first 21 outings. The Billings Senior grad recorded a season-best 8 points at Sacramento State on December 28, hitting 4-6 from the field. Bad Bear hauled down nine rebounds in MSU's win over MSU Northern. For the season, Bad Bear is averaging 11.1 minutes per game.
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 @ 7 p.m. (MT)
WHERE: Pocatello, Idaho - Reed Gym (3,040)
RECORDS: MSU: 15-6, 11-1; Idaho State: 12-10, 8-5
SERIES: Montana State leads Idaho State 45-37
LAST MTG: Jan. 25, 2020 - @MSU 67, Idaho State 59
RADIO: Live on My 103.5 FM with Jason Alvine on the call; pregame begins 15-minutes prior to opening tip.
STATS: Live statistics can be accessed at bobcatstats.com; running play-by-play and boxscore are available
VIDEO: Montana State's game at Idaho State is available on Pluto TV (Channel 543) and at WatchBigSky.com
HEADING DOWN THE I-15 CORRIDOR: The Montana State women's basketball squad will travel down the I-15 corridor this weekend for a pair of Big Sky Conference road games. The Big Sky's two hottest teams will meet in Pocatello on Thursday, Feb. 13 as the Bobcats face Idaho State at 7 p.m. in Reed Gym. The Cats enter the contest riding a seven-game win streak, while the Bengals are on a four-game run. MSU will close out the weekend at Weber State, Saturday, Feb. 15 in Ogden, Utah. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m. in the Dee Events Center.
SERIES NOTE: MSU holds a 45-37 advantage in the all-time series dating back to the 1977-78 season. Three weeks ago, the Bobcats beat the Bengals 67-59 in Bozeman. The win snapped a two-game losing streak to ISU. Montana State and Idaho State are 5-5 in the last ten contests, including a pair of overtime games. MSU's last win in Pocatello came on Feb. 28, 2018 in a 61-60 victory on a Hannah Caudill layup following an Oliana Squires steal as time expired.
CAT OF THE WEEK: Tori Martell led MSU last week averaging 12.5 points per game, while shooting 53.5% from the field and 63.6% from long distance.
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS: MSU has done a solid job on the defensive end this season. The Bobcats lead the Big Sky in rebounding (44.3 rpg), rebound margin (+9.2 rpg) and steals (10.5 spg), are listed second in field-goal percentage defense (36.2%) and rebound defense (35.2 rpg) and are third in scoring defense 60.5 ppg), 3-pt. FG% (31.3%) and defensive rebounds (28.4 rpg). Montana State boasts five players that average 4.8 rebounds or better in league play led by Fallyn Freije (8.9), Darian white (5.6), Madeline Smith (5.1), Blaire Braxton (4.8) and Martha Kuderer (4.7).
OFFENSE HELPS, TOO: Montana State is also one of the top offensive squads in the Big Sky Conference. The Bobcats lead the league in scoring margin (+16.5 ppg) and offensive rebounds (15.9 rpg), are listed second in scoring (77.0 ppg) and field-goal percentage (43.2%) and are fourth in assists (14.0 apg). Three Bobcats rank in the top 25 in Big Sky games in scoring, including Fallyn Freije (T5th, 14 ppg), Darian White (T14th, 12.3 ppg) and Martha Kuderer (11.1 ppg).
NOTABLES:
*Darian White's 2.52 steals per game is the third highest total in the nation by a freshman this season. Mikayla Woods of UTSA is tops at 2.67 per game and Buffalo's Dyaisha Fair second at 2.63 per contest.
*Darian White's 53 steals on the season is the third highest total in the nation this winter. White ranks behind Buffalo's Dyaisha Fair (65) and Butler's Oumou Toure (55). The all-time Montana State record for steals in a single season belongs to Liz Holz (124) set during the 1988-89 season.
*Darian White's 83.8% free throw percentage ranks third in the country for freshmen. She ranks behind Haley Frank of Missouri (91.4%) and Lotta Vehka- Aho of Florida Atlantic (85.0).
*As a team, the Bobcats have recorded six games with 50 or more rebounds this season, including a high of 59 boards in its win at Sacramento State on Dec. 28.
*The 2019-20 Bobcats are giving up 60.4 points per game, making it one of the stingiest defenses in school history. The mark currently ranks second all-time at MSU. The 1986-87 Bobcats hold the all-time mark for fewest points allowed per game at 59.4.
MORE ON THE BENGALS: After Montana State's current seven-game win streak, Idaho State boats the league's second longest run winning four consecutive games. The Bengals have not dropped a game since losing to the Bobcats 67-59 on Jan. 25 in Bozeman. Since that time, ISU has rattled off victories over No. Colorado (59-39), So. Utah (73-54), No. Arizona (79-76) and Sacramento St. (75-51). Callie Bourne leads ISU in scoring averaging 12.5 points per game. Bourne has recorded double-digit points the last eleven games and has reached double-digit points in all but four games this season. Dora Goles, who averages 11.1 points per contest, has produced double-digits in nine of 13 conference games while Diaba Konate (9.9 ppg) follows with double-digits in five conference games including a career-high 32 points against Northern Arizona on Feb. 6. Nationally, Idaho State is No. 11 in three-point field goal percentage (.376), No. 42 in field goal percentage (.439), No. 53 in assists per game (15.3), No. 55 in 3-point field goal defense (.285).
BOBCATS VS. TOP 25: Montana State is 3-24 all-time against teams ranked in the AP Top 25 or USA Today/WBCA Coaches polls, following its 78-67 loss to No. 11 Texas A&M on Dec. 21 in Puerto Rico. MSU's victories have come over Montana, twice, when the Lady Griz were ranked. The Bobcats defeated #17 Montana (58-52 in Bozeman) on March 4, 1994 as well as #16 Montana (58-56 in Bozeman) on March 5, 1988. MSU's other victory of a top 25 school came at #21 Boise State (69-68) on Jan. 28. 1994. The highest ranked team Montana State has played was #2 Baylor on Nov. 13, 2010- a 93-56 loss in Waco.
HOLY MOLY, OLI: Oliana Squires, a 2019-20 preseason All-Big Sky pick, is currently averaging 10.9 points per game, third highest on the squad. She became the 24th member of MSU's 1000-point club on Jan. 4 after posting 11 points in MSU's win over Southern Utah. Her career 1,064 points ranks 19th all-time. Squires notched a season-high 17 points at Seattle U on Nov. 30. She's been in double-digit scoring in 15 of 19 games. Squires dished out a season-best seven assists at Sacramento State on Dec. 28 and had a season-best four steals against Wichita State in Puerto Rico. The senior tri-captain has posted 29 three-pointers and 60 assists this season. Last winter, Squires earned All-Big Sky Third-Team accolades after guiding the Bobcats averaging 11.4 points, 3.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and a steal per game.
MAD ABOUT YOU: Madeline Smith, who has started all 21 games for the Bobcats, is currently averaging 8.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Smith posted her third double-double of the year leading MSU to a double overtime win at E. Washington on Jan. 18 with 14 points and 13 rebounds. The Snohomish, Wash., product posted MSU's first double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds in the Cats' victory over MSU Northern on Nov. 17. After 20 games, Smith is shooting 52.6% from the field, which leads the team. Last winter, Smith was third in the Big Sky in field-goal percentage, shooting 53.7% from the floor. She had ten games in double-figure scoring and posted a career-high 27 points against Southern Utah. Her current total of 621 rebounds ranks 15th all-time.
MARTHA'S MOMENTS: Martha Kuderer has started in all 21 games and is averaging 9.4 points and 4.5 rebounds, while shooting 46.7%. She has been in double-digits on eight occasions, including a career-high 23 points to lead MSU to a victory over Sacramento State Dec. 28. In Big Sky games, the Eden Prairie, Minn., product is averaging 11.1 points per game, while shooting 47.5% from the field. In addition, she is hitting at a 46.7% percent clip from beyond the arc and has connected on 15-of-32 three-pointers over the last 12 league games.
BOUNDING WITH BLAIRE: Blaire Braxton, who played in all 31 games, including seven starts for the Bobcats, last winter, is currently averaging 4.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Braxton posted a season-high 12 points in Montana State's win over Weber State on Jan. 23, connecting on three-of-four from the line and career six-of-six from the free throw line. In addition, she added seven rebounds and a blocked shot. Braxton is currently 13th on MSU's all-time rebounding chart with 641 boards. Last winter, Braxton averaged 7.0 points per outing and notched seven games in double-figure scoring, including a career-high 18 points against Idaho. She also recorded two double-digit rebounding games, including a season-high 13 boards in MSU's win at Eastern Washington. She saw remarkable improvement in field-goal percentage shooting a team-best 55.8% from the field.
PRESEASON MVP: Despite not playing in a game for over a year and not ever wearing the Blue and Gold, senior Fallyn Freije was named preseason Big Sky Conference MVP. The Edmore, N.D. product played three seasons at North Dakota before transferring to Bozeman. Freije was a two-time All-Big Sky performer for the Fighting Hawks, where she averaged 13.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game as a junior. She played in 90 games and started in 58. Freije has recorded 1,112 points and has amassed 669 rebounds over the course of her collegiate career.
DEEP FREIJE: Senior Fallyn Freije is currently averaging a team-best 13.0 points per game. She is first on the squad pulling down 8.0 rebounds, as well. On the season, Freije has been in double-digit scoring on 16 occasions, including a career-high 27 points in MSU's overtime win at Montana on Feb. 1 in Missoula. Freije posted her fourth double-double of the season with 27 points and 14 rebounds at Montana. The 14 boards were a new career best. Over the past six games, Freije has averaged 13.8 points and 9.3 rebounds, while shooting 41.1% from the field and 88.9% (24-27) from the line.
BARDS OF THE BLOCK: Madeline Smith and Blaire Braxton have manned the blocks for the Bobcats the past four seasons and on Feb. 1 at Montana became the all-time senior tandem in MSU history when it comes to rebounding. The duo has combined for 1,262 rebounds, surpassing the old mark of 1,248 boards held by the senior duo of Blythe Hommes and Julie Brown (1997). Other top senior combos include Alaina Bauer/Sandy Neiss, 1,196 (1991); & Kelly Martin/Serena Merrill, 1,034 (2001).
TORI, TORI, TORI: Tori Martell has connected on 37 3-pointers this season. She is averaging 7.8 points per game and is shooting 45.6% from the field and 40.7% from long distance. Martell, who filled in for Oliana Squires for four games, notched a season-high 17 points in MSU's double overtime win at E. Washington on Jan. 18 connecting on five-of-10 from the field, including four 3-pointers on Jan. 18. As part of the starting rotation, she averaged 12 points per game and connected on 11 three-pointers.
FRESH START: True-freshman Darian White is making a good impression in the Blue and Gold. The Boise, Idaho product has started all 21 games and is second on the team averaging 11.4 points game. She has been in double-figure scoring 15 times. White notched a season-high 23 points in MSU's double overtime win at E. Washington on Jan. 18. White connected on eight-of-15 from the field and went 6-of-6 at the line. In addition, she pulled down nine rebounds, dished out seven assists and had five steals. In Big Sky Conference play, White has averaged 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.1 steals per game. White is currently ranked 33rd in the nation in steals per game 2.52 per contest. Last winter, she was the Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year.
ALL JACKED UP: Madison Jackson has averaged 15.4 minutes over 21 games. The Parma, Idaho native is averaging 5.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. She recorded a season-high 15 points in Montana State's win at E. Washington on Jan. 18. Jackson's points came from beyond the arc as she connected on 5-of-8 triples. Jackson was an Idaho state champion in the 100 and 330-meter hurdles, the high jump and as a member of the 4X400-meter relay.
I'LL HAVE A KOLA, PLEASE: Kola Bad Bear is averaging 2.5 points and 2.7 rebounds per game over the first 21 outings. The Billings Senior grad recorded a season-best 8 points at Sacramento State on December 28, hitting 4-6 from the field. Bad Bear hauled down nine rebounds in MSU's win over MSU Northern. For the season, Bad Bear is averaging 11.1 minutes per game.
Players Mentioned
Bobcat Insider TV Show
Wednesday, January 26
vs. Seattle (Live Stream Video)
Saturday, December 18
Inside The Brick (Lexi Deden)
Thursday, November 04
Inside The Brick (Leia Beattie)
Tuesday, November 02