Thursday, February 6
Moscow, ID
7 p.m.
Montana State University
at
Idaho
Photo by: Andrew Pedersen
Big Sky’s Top Two Square Off on Thursday Night in Moscow
2/5/2020 11:52:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Montana State plays its second straight game on the road when it faces Idaho, Thursday, Feb. 6 in Moscow. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. (MT) in Cowan Spectrum.
WHO: Montana State at Idaho
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020 @ 7 p.m. (MT)
WHERE: Moscow, Idaho. - Cowan Spectrum (6,000)
RECORDS: MSU: 13-6, 9-1, Idaho 13-6, 8-2
SERIES: Montana State leads Idaho 35-19
LAST MTG: Jan. 9, 2020 - Idaho 69, @MSU 68 2OTs
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 on Thursday is available on Pluto TV (Channel 542) and at WatchBigSky.com.
LEAGUE SUPREMACY: Montana State plays its second straight game on the road when it faces Idaho, Thursday, Feb. 6 in Moscow. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. (MT) in Cowan Spectrum. Thursday's game will feature the top two teams in the Big Sky Conference. MSU's lone loss was a 69-68 double overtime decision to Idaho on Jan. 9. UI's two losses come against Portland State and Northern Arizona.
SERIES NOTE: Montana State holds a 35-19 advantage in its all-time series with Idaho going back to March 1, 1975- an 81-50 Bobcat victory. Recently, however, the Vandals have won five straight against MSU, including a 69-68 double overtime victory on Jan. 9. Montana State's last victory in the series came on Jan. 26, 2017- a 66-61 decision over the Vandals in Moscow.
BIG SKY PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Fallyn Freije recorded a career-high 27 points, while pulling down 14 rebounds to spark the Bobcats to a 14-point come-from-behind overtime victory at Montana on Saturday. Freije scored MSU's last four points in regulation and scored 10 of MSU's 15 points in OT to secure the win. Her 14 boards- a career-best- marked her fourth double-double of the season.
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS: MSU has done an outstanding job on the defensive end this season. The Bobcats lead the Big Sky Conference in field-goal defense (35.7%), rebounding (44.7), rebound margin (+7.5), and steals (10.8), are third in scoring defense (62.3) and defensive rebounds (28.9) and fourth in 3-point field-goal% defense (32.2%). Montana State boasts five players averaging 4.7 rebounds per game or better in Big Sky Conference play paced by Fallyn Freije (9.2), Madeline Smith (5.9), Darian White (5.5), Martha Kuderer (4.8) and Blaire Braxton (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 at 78.3 points per game, scoring margin at +16.0 and offensive boards at 15.8 per contest. They rank second in field-goal percentage at 43.2%. Individually, three players are ranked in the top 20 in the league in scoring led by Fallyn Freije (7th, 15.0 ppg), Darian White (T13th, 12.6) and Martha Kuderer (20th, 11.6).
NOTABLES:
*Darian White's 2.53 steals per game is the second highest total in the nation by a freshman this season. Buffalo's Dyaisha Fair is the top freshman in the country in steals, averaging 2.63 per contest.
*Darian White's 83.8% free throw percentage ranks third in the country for freshmen. She ranks behind Haley Frank of Missouri (90.9%) and Savannah Wheeler of Marshall (84.8). White is tied for third with Hanna Cavinder of Fresno State and Lotta Vehka-Aho of Florida Atlantic.
*Darian White's 67 free throw makes rank ninth in the nation for freshman. Hanna Cavinder of Fresno State and Dyaisha Fair of Buffalo lead the country with 83 tosses.
*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 61.3 points per game, making it one of the stingiest defenses in school history. The mark currently ranks fourth all-time at MSU. The 1986-87 Bobcats hold the all-time mark for fewest points per game allowed at 59.4.
MORE ON IDAHO: Idaho defeated Sacramento State 70-44 in Cowan-Spectrum Arena on Monday night. The Vandals scored 47 points in the second half to cruise to their eighth conference win of the season. Gina Marxen led Idaho with 18 points while Beyonce Bea and Lizzy Klinker chipped in 14 and 10, respectively. Idaho's defense held the number one scoring offense in the Big Sky to just 44 points, nearly 30 below their average. Idaho held Sacramento State to just 16 made field-goals from the floor on 27.1% shooting. Idaho finished shooting 40.6% from the floor while knocking down eight three-pointers. Idaho controlled the boards throughout, outrebounding the Hornets 50-36. Isabelle Hadden was a big part of the Vandals offensive explosion in the second half. Hadden finished 4-4 from the field with eight points. Hadden scored all eight points during Idaho's 21 point run in the third period. Hadden also finished with a block and a rebound. Bea paced UI in its first meeting with the Bobcats scoring a game-high 26 points on 10-16 shooting.
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 1,042 points ranks 21st all-time. Squires notched a season-high 17 points at Seattle U on Nov. 30. She's been in double-digit scoring in 13 of 17 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 26 three-pointers and 48 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 19 games for the Bobcats, is currently averaging 8.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Smith posted her third double-double of the year leading MSU to a double overtime win at Eastern Washington 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 19 games, Smith is shooting 53.3% 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 619 rebounds ranks 15th all-time.
MARTHA'S MOMENTS: Martha Kuderer has started in all 19 games and is averaging 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, while shooting 46.7%. She has been in double-digits on seven 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 11.6 points per game, while shooting 47.7% from the field. In addition, she is hitting at a 45.8% percent clip from beyond the arc and has connected on 11-of-24 3-pointers over the last 10 league games.
BOUNDING WITH BLAIRE: Blaire Braxton, who played in all 31 games, including seven starts for the Bobcats, last winter, is currently averaging 4.3 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 631 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 1,094 points and has amassed 654 rebounds over the course of her collegiate career.
DEEP FREIJE: Senior Fallyn Freije is currently averaging a team-best 13.5 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 15 occasions, including a career-high 27 points in MSU's overtime win at Montana, last Saturday. 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 four games, Freije has averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds, while shooting 42.9% from the field and 100% (15-15) 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 Saturday at Montana they became the all-time senior tandem in MSU history when it comes to rebounding. The duo has combined for 1,250 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 30 3-pointers this season. She is averaging 7.3 points per game and is shooting 44.5% from the field and 37.5% 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 Eastern Washington 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 19 games and is second on the team averaging 11.5 points game. She has been in double-figure scoring 14 times. White notched a season-high 23 points in MSU's double overtime win at Eastern Washington. 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 12.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.2 steals per game. White is currently ranked 33rd in the nation in steals per game 2.53 per contest. Last winter, she was the Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year.
ALL JACKED UP: Madison Jackson has averaged 15.7 minutes over 19 games. The Parma, Idaho native is averaging 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. She recorded a season-high 15 points in Montana State's win at Eastern Washington. Jackson's points all came from beyond the arc as she connected on 5-of-8 from long distance. 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 2.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game over the first 19 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. 6, 2020 @ 7 p.m. (MT)
WHERE: Moscow, Idaho. - Cowan Spectrum (6,000)
RECORDS: MSU: 13-6, 9-1, Idaho 13-6, 8-2
SERIES: Montana State leads Idaho 35-19
LAST MTG: Jan. 9, 2020 - Idaho 69, @MSU 68 2OTs
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 on Thursday is available on Pluto TV (Channel 542) and at WatchBigSky.com.
LEAGUE SUPREMACY: Montana State plays its second straight game on the road when it faces Idaho, Thursday, Feb. 6 in Moscow. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. (MT) in Cowan Spectrum. Thursday's game will feature the top two teams in the Big Sky Conference. MSU's lone loss was a 69-68 double overtime decision to Idaho on Jan. 9. UI's two losses come against Portland State and Northern Arizona.
SERIES NOTE: Montana State holds a 35-19 advantage in its all-time series with Idaho going back to March 1, 1975- an 81-50 Bobcat victory. Recently, however, the Vandals have won five straight against MSU, including a 69-68 double overtime victory on Jan. 9. Montana State's last victory in the series came on Jan. 26, 2017- a 66-61 decision over the Vandals in Moscow.
BIG SKY PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Fallyn Freije recorded a career-high 27 points, while pulling down 14 rebounds to spark the Bobcats to a 14-point come-from-behind overtime victory at Montana on Saturday. Freije scored MSU's last four points in regulation and scored 10 of MSU's 15 points in OT to secure the win. Her 14 boards- a career-best- marked her fourth double-double of the season.
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS: MSU has done an outstanding job on the defensive end this season. The Bobcats lead the Big Sky Conference in field-goal defense (35.7%), rebounding (44.7), rebound margin (+7.5), and steals (10.8), are third in scoring defense (62.3) and defensive rebounds (28.9) and fourth in 3-point field-goal% defense (32.2%). Montana State boasts five players averaging 4.7 rebounds per game or better in Big Sky Conference play paced by Fallyn Freije (9.2), Madeline Smith (5.9), Darian White (5.5), Martha Kuderer (4.8) and Blaire Braxton (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 at 78.3 points per game, scoring margin at +16.0 and offensive boards at 15.8 per contest. They rank second in field-goal percentage at 43.2%. Individually, three players are ranked in the top 20 in the league in scoring led by Fallyn Freije (7th, 15.0 ppg), Darian White (T13th, 12.6) and Martha Kuderer (20th, 11.6).
NOTABLES:
*Darian White's 2.53 steals per game is the second highest total in the nation by a freshman this season. Buffalo's Dyaisha Fair is the top freshman in the country in steals, averaging 2.63 per contest.
*Darian White's 83.8% free throw percentage ranks third in the country for freshmen. She ranks behind Haley Frank of Missouri (90.9%) and Savannah Wheeler of Marshall (84.8). White is tied for third with Hanna Cavinder of Fresno State and Lotta Vehka-Aho of Florida Atlantic.
*Darian White's 67 free throw makes rank ninth in the nation for freshman. Hanna Cavinder of Fresno State and Dyaisha Fair of Buffalo lead the country with 83 tosses.
*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 61.3 points per game, making it one of the stingiest defenses in school history. The mark currently ranks fourth all-time at MSU. The 1986-87 Bobcats hold the all-time mark for fewest points per game allowed at 59.4.
MORE ON IDAHO: Idaho defeated Sacramento State 70-44 in Cowan-Spectrum Arena on Monday night. The Vandals scored 47 points in the second half to cruise to their eighth conference win of the season. Gina Marxen led Idaho with 18 points while Beyonce Bea and Lizzy Klinker chipped in 14 and 10, respectively. Idaho's defense held the number one scoring offense in the Big Sky to just 44 points, nearly 30 below their average. Idaho held Sacramento State to just 16 made field-goals from the floor on 27.1% shooting. Idaho finished shooting 40.6% from the floor while knocking down eight three-pointers. Idaho controlled the boards throughout, outrebounding the Hornets 50-36. Isabelle Hadden was a big part of the Vandals offensive explosion in the second half. Hadden finished 4-4 from the field with eight points. Hadden scored all eight points during Idaho's 21 point run in the third period. Hadden also finished with a block and a rebound. Bea paced UI in its first meeting with the Bobcats scoring a game-high 26 points on 10-16 shooting.
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 1,042 points ranks 21st all-time. Squires notched a season-high 17 points at Seattle U on Nov. 30. She's been in double-digit scoring in 13 of 17 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 26 three-pointers and 48 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 19 games for the Bobcats, is currently averaging 8.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Smith posted her third double-double of the year leading MSU to a double overtime win at Eastern Washington 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 19 games, Smith is shooting 53.3% 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 619 rebounds ranks 15th all-time.
MARTHA'S MOMENTS: Martha Kuderer has started in all 19 games and is averaging 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, while shooting 46.7%. She has been in double-digits on seven 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 11.6 points per game, while shooting 47.7% from the field. In addition, she is hitting at a 45.8% percent clip from beyond the arc and has connected on 11-of-24 3-pointers over the last 10 league games.
BOUNDING WITH BLAIRE: Blaire Braxton, who played in all 31 games, including seven starts for the Bobcats, last winter, is currently averaging 4.3 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 631 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 1,094 points and has amassed 654 rebounds over the course of her collegiate career.
DEEP FREIJE: Senior Fallyn Freije is currently averaging a team-best 13.5 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 15 occasions, including a career-high 27 points in MSU's overtime win at Montana, last Saturday. 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 four games, Freije has averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds, while shooting 42.9% from the field and 100% (15-15) 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 Saturday at Montana they became the all-time senior tandem in MSU history when it comes to rebounding. The duo has combined for 1,250 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 30 3-pointers this season. She is averaging 7.3 points per game and is shooting 44.5% from the field and 37.5% 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 Eastern Washington 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 19 games and is second on the team averaging 11.5 points game. She has been in double-figure scoring 14 times. White notched a season-high 23 points in MSU's double overtime win at Eastern Washington. 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 12.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.2 steals per game. White is currently ranked 33rd in the nation in steals per game 2.53 per contest. Last winter, she was the Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year.
ALL JACKED UP: Madison Jackson has averaged 15.7 minutes over 19 games. The Parma, Idaho native is averaging 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. She recorded a season-high 15 points in Montana State's win at Eastern Washington. Jackson's points all came from beyond the arc as she connected on 5-of-8 from long distance. 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 2.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game over the first 19 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.
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