Photo by: Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez
Made for More: A comprehensive look at the 2019-20 Bobcat Women’s Basketball Season
4/9/2020 3:03:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Montana State women’s basketball team was just a few chapters away from finishing one of the finest stories in Bobcat history.
The Montana State women's basketball team was just a few chapters away from finishing one of the finest stories in Bobcat history. It had all the makings of a best seller- a good intro, great characters, a road full of challenges, and a plot that built to a crescendo page-by-page. The only thing missing was a happy ending.
But as COVID-19 put an abrupt halt to a storybook season, the Bobcat women's basketball team can take solace that their journey will be etched in the annals as one of the all-time greatest accomplishments by any team that ever wore the Blue and Gold.
The Bobcats ended the season 25-6 overall- the best won/loss record in school history. They finished 19-1 in Big Sky Conference play- the most wins ever recorded by a women's team in the history of the league and matched only by the 2012-13 Montana men's team. It achieved the milestones behind a prolific offense and a stout defense. It's 2,379 points and 76.7 points per game average were both school records.
With a quarterfinal win over Northern Colorado and a semifinal victory over Northern Arizona, MSU ran its win streak to 17 straight, matching the record held by the 1987-88 Bobcats. The championship game on Friday, March 13 against Idaho was a shot at another record-breaking goal. And, ultimately a trip to the NCAA Tournament, the final payoff for the blood, sweat and tears that had been left on hardwood floors throughout the season.
Expectations of an exceptional season were evident early as Big Sky Conference coaches and media both picked the Bobcats to win the league in preseason polls. In addition, Fallyn Freije was tabbed preseason MVP, while four-year veteran Oliana Squires also received accolades.
But before the Bobcats could lay claim to any of the predictions, they would have to navigate, arguably, the toughest preseason schedule in program history. Three non-conference opponents, Minnesota, Gonzaga and Texas A&M, were ranked in the AP Top 25, while UC Davis and South Dakota State were coming off 20-win seasons and conference championships.
An ace in the pocket of the Bobcats' hand was its three four-year seniors – Blaire Braxton, Madeline Smith and Squires. The trio were freshmen when MSU captured its last Big Sky Tournament title and they played a big role guiding the squad to its first NCAA Tournament since 1993.
Head Coach Tricia Binford knew she could draw off their experience and perspective heading into the summer season- when the team came together for the first time. The threesome knew something extraordinary was about to occur. They just had that feeling.
BLAIRE BRAXTON: "I knew something special was going to happen the second that we all got together in the summer. The freshmen were eager, and the seniors had a strong sense of urgency. There was an incredible understanding that our team could be great. If no one else knew, I think all of the seniors understood what was happening and how we wanted it to go."
MADELINE SMITH: "I knew this team had the potential to be special from the beginning of the year, but when we were in Puerto Rico and had a lead on Texas A&M (ranked #11 nationally at the time) for most of the game I knew we could beat anyone if we played like that for 40-minutes."
OLIANA SQUIRES: "From the start, this team just felt different than previous years; the work ethic, the heart, and the chemistry felt special."
The Bobcats opened the season with three consecutive victories, including a 77-65 decision over UC Davis in the season-opener. MSU's balance was apparent early as four Bobcats hit double-figures led by freshman point-guard Darian White with 15 points. The victory over the Aggies set an early tone for what was to come. The Bobcats quickly defined themselves as a team that would find its greatest success when receiving contributions from every player on the roster.
MSU followed its three-game homestand with three on the road. The Bobcats first outing was a 10-point loss at South Dakota State. Two days later, the Cats went toe-to-toe with Big 10 foe Minnesota in Williams Arena. MSU held a 12-point lead over the Golden Gophers in the third quarter before UM flexed its muscle and outscored the Bobcats by 14-points in the final frame.
Despite the two losses, the Bobcats quickly regrouped to post its first road win of the season at Seattle U. With its record at 4-2, MSU faced the 'gauntlet,'- a stretch of three games, including two against AP Top 25 opponents Gonzaga and Texas A&M.
In front of 2,837 fans in Worthington Arena, No. 18 Gonzaga handed the Bobcats a 70-55 setback. MSU trailed by four points in the third quarter, but the hot-shooting Zags pulled away with a barrage of three-pointers. The outcome proved to be MSU's largest margin of defeat on the season.
Following a two-week hiatus for finals, the Bobcats prepared for its last two non-conference games at the Coqui Classic in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In the tournament opener, Wichita State scored on an offensive put back with 1.6-seconds remaining to defeat the Cats.
The next afternoon, MSU played a game that would establish a benchmark for the remainder of the season. The Bobcats faced No. 11 Texas A&M under the direction of Hall of Fame coach Gary Blair, who had just posted his 800th career victory. The Aggies were picked second in the SEC preseason poll and its two-time All-American Chennedy Carter was tabbed as the top player in the historically powerful conference.
After the opening 10-minutes, the Bobcats held a 19-12 advantage before Texas A&M got on track to take a 35-33 lead at intermission. Relishing in its underdog role, MSU stayed with the Aggies, never backing down, trailing 62-60 with 6:32 remaining. Squires' fastbreak jumper with 3:31 left kept the Bobcats within striking distance at 68-65, but MSU would score just one more time down the stretch as the Aggies pulled out the victory.
The Bobcats ended its non-conference with a 4-5 slate.
MARTHA KUDERER: "I could tell something special was happening with this team after the Puerto Rico trip where we played our final games before the conference season. We hung with and led the No. 11th-ranked team (Texas A&M) in the country for most of the game. While we didn't end up with the win, we fought so hard as a team. We gained the confidence and belief that we could be a great team."
FALLYN FREIJE: "I think the Puerto Rico trip was huge for us as a team establishing chemistry off the court. We already had it, but it definitely advanced quicker than most teams probably do, and to have conference right after, it just kept getting better and better. I could just feel this sort of 'wow this is going to be special if we keep building on this trip.'"
The Bobcats opened its Big Sky Conference season with a convincing 37-point victory at Sacramento State and captured its first league road sweep with a 72-64 win at Northern Arizona, two days later. The following week, MSU rang in the New Year with a pair of dominating performances defeating Northern Colorado and Southern Utah by an average of 29.5 points. The Bobcats put up 91 points in both games highlighted by five players posting double-digits, while shooting 53.8% in its win over UNC.
With a 4-0 league mark, the Bobcats faced its first major challenge of the Big Sky season facing defending conference champion Idaho. The Vandals were picked second in the preseason polls. And, as advertised, the game proved worthy of the hype.
The game featured 14 ties and 11 lead changes. MSU held a six-point advantage with 4:51 left in the contest as freshman Madison Jackson hit a three-pointer. With 2:41 remaining the Bobcats suffered its biggest setback as Squires went down with a game-ending ankle injury. Idaho's Beyonce Bea cut the margin to three-points at the 2:05 mark and hit from long distance with 16-seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.
Jackson, one three freshmen sensations for the Cats during the 2019-20 campaign, gave MSU a three-point lead on her second triple with 51-seconds left in overtime. UI's Ginza Marxen answered on a 3-pointer with 24-seconds left, and neither team scored down the stretch forcing a second extra period.
The game was tied four times in the second overtime frame before Freije gave the Bobcats a 68-67 lead on a layup with 1:16 left. Idaho's Natalie Klinker turned the table with 46-seconds left on a pair of free throws and MSU's two attempts with under 35-seconds left came up short as the Vandals held on for the one-point victory.
The loss would be Montana State's last of the season.
The Bobcats had little time to wallow in a hard-fought defeat. A practice followed by a late afternoon flight to Portland the next day quickly turned their attention on two road games, a week apart.
MSU jumped out to a 37-18 advantage at halftime against Portland State and cruised to the win as White, Martha Kuderer and Tori Martell also posted double-digits scoring.
MSU traveled to Eastern Washington in its only game the following Saturday. The Bobcats needed a 23-14 fourth quarter to rally from an 11-point deficit to force overtime. Jackson's fifth three-pointer of the game gave Montana State a five-point lead in the second overtime and MSU escaped with the victory. The Cats had five players in double figures led by White with a season-high 23 points. Jackson ended with 15 points, all coming from long distance.
The Bobcats returned to the warm confines of Worthington Arena for a pair of victories over Weber State and Idaho State. During the two-game stretch, the Cats held its opponents to 55.5 points per game, 37.6% shooting and out-rebounded its foes by +9.5.
MSU entered the mid-way point of the Big Sky season with an 8-1 mark and a date with the Lady Griz in Missoula on Feb. 1. In front of 3,617 spectators, the Bobcats struggled connecting on 14-of-56 from the field. Trailing 46-32 with 3:12 left in the third quarter, MSU started to heat-up, converting seven-of-12 from the field down the stretch. On the defensive end, MSU shut down the Lady Griz as its intra-state rival went zero-of-15 from the field in the fourth quarter.
Freije's 12-foot jumper with 14-seconds to play sent the game to overtime, then she scored 10 of Montana State's 15 points in the extra period to boost the Cats to a 66-61 win over the Lady Griz. The Edmore, N.D. product finished with a career-high 27 points. The win was Montana State's eighth in the last 11 against Montana, and second in its last three trips to Dahlberg Arena.
The Bobcats entered the second half of the league season looking to avenge its double-overtime loss to Idaho. The first three quarters mirrored the game in Bozeman a month earlier with the Vandals holding a 43-31 lead going into the final frame. The Vandals pushed its advantage to six-points with 6:39 remaining, but MSU out-scored Idaho 17-5 down the stretch as five different players produced points, earning the Bobcats a 62-56 victory.
Following a convincing win over Eastern Washington in Worthington Arena, the Bobcats took its annual trip down the I-15 corridor. It's first stop was Idaho State; a place that has given MSU fits over the years. The Bobcats quickly doused any doubt of a Pocatello stumble getting out to a 38-23 lead at halftime and pushing the margin to 23-points at the end of the third quarter. In all, six players reached double-digits scoring as MSU shot 47.3% from the field.
Its last game of the road swing at Weber State was the beginning of the greatest offensive run over a four-game span in Bobcat women's basketball history. Posting victories over the Wildcats (102-67), Portland State (98-67), Montana (92-78) and Sacramento State (113-69), the Bobcats averaged 101.3 points per game, out-scoring their opponents by +31.0 points. In addition, MSU shot 54.1% from the field, including 49.4% from beyond the arc. The Bobcats averaged 10.8 three-pointers per game and capped the run as seven players reached double-figures scoring against Sacramento State.
In its win over the Lady Griz, MSU's 92-point outburst was the most a Bobcat team had ever put up over UM. With the victory, Montana State celebrated its third Big Sky regular season championship in the last five seasons amidst a flurry of confetti following the game, and Bobcat players, coaches, and staff members snipped pieces of the net. The win was MSU's fourth straight against the Lady Griz, was the fifth straight against UM in Worthington Arena, and marked the program's first back-to-back sweeps of Montana since the 1975-76 and 1976-77 seasons.
Montana State's final home game of the season was appropriately played on Saturday, Feb. 29 at 2 p.m. MSU fans were privy to an extra day of Bobcat women's basketball. In front of 2,363 spectators, the Bobcats bid farewell to its five outstanding seniors- Braxton, Freije, Kuderer, Smith and Squires.
A surging Northern Arizona squad played on MSU's emotions early building a 40-26 advantage at intermission. The Lumberjacks took its largest lead at 16-points at the 9:48 mark of the third period before the Bobcats started chipping away at the margin. By the end of the frame, MSU had the NAU lead down to five. The Lumberjacks held off the Bobcats until a pair of Kuderer free throws gave MSU a 65-64 lead with 3:25 remaining. NAU retook the lead but a pair of free throws by Braxton with two-minutes left gave MSU the cushion it needed to secure the victory.
With two regular season games and the Big Sky Tournament remaining, Montana State raised its record to 21-6 overall, 17-1 in Big Sky Conference play. The team wrapped up its third Big Sky title in five years and gave the three fourth-year seniors – Braxton, Smith, and Squires – bookend titles to their careers.
The Bobcats closed out the Big Sky regular season with victories at Southern Utah and Northern Colorado to go undefeated in league road games- a first in the history of the program.
After its Friday night game in Greeley, the Bobcats flew directly to Boise, Idaho on Saturday in preparation for the Big Sky Conference Tournament. As the No. 1 seed, MSU would play the first quarterfinal game on Tuesday, March 10 against Northern Colorado. The game would mark the second straight season in which the Bobcats would face the team it had finished the regular season against.
Tuesday's contest proved to be quite a homecoming for White. Montana State's sensational point guard scored 19 points, nailing three of her four free throws in the closing seconds to lead the Bobcats to a 67-62 win in her hometown. The 5-6 guard also grabbed six rebounds and added three assists and two steals.
The Big Sky Freshman of the Year wasn't the only Bobcat to turn in a special performance. Big Sky Player of the Year Fallyn Freije scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Squires added 13 points. Braxton chipped in nine points off the bench.
In a season with so many games decided late in the fourth quarter, Montana State faced one more make-or-break defensive possession in Wednesday's Big Sky Conference semifinal contest.
In the waning moments, Northern Arizona possessed, down three, a chance to tie the game. Montana State defended, one possession away from qualifying for the second Big Sky Tournament Championship in four years. And with 16 seconds remaining, in the game's biggest moment, Braxton was there.
The only one of Montana State's five seniors that comes off the bench got her hand on a pass toward the paint from Northern Arizona's Khiarica Rasheed, Jackson ripped the ball from the clutches of an NAU player and shoveled it to White, who was fouled. On the possession that ensued Squires sank two free throws, and MSU secured the victory to advance to Friday afternoon's Big Sky Conference Championship game.
Braxton was one of three Bobcats in double-figures scoring, with White, who scored 19, and Freije, who netted 11. Braxton led all players in rebounds, logged two steals, and didn't miss a shot. The Highlands Ranch, Colorado, product finished 3-for-3 from the floor and 5-for-5 from the line. And she served as the steadying force so often in a game that saw NAU answer every time the Big Sky regular season champion Bobcats seemed poised to pull away.
Following a brief postgame celebration that included MSU President Waded Cruzado, the Bobcats scattered throughout CenturyLink Arena to see who they would face in the championship game. Fittingly, Idaho defeated Idaho State 66-51, to set up the rubber-match between to two rivals.
On Wednesday night, the NBA suspended its season. Soon, conferences all over the United States canceled its tournaments due to the spreading COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday morning, the Big Sky Conference would follow suit. After an emotional team meeting, the Bobcat women's season came to a tearful end. Instead of celebrating a possible BSC title on Friday, the Bobcats found comfort in each other one more time.
FALLYN FREIJE: "I've had some time to reflect on the year, although it's so hard to look past those last few days in Boise as it still hurts just as much and is upsetting and surreal, still wishing it could all go back. Looking through pictures from the year, the smiles and cheering ones are my favorite. This team was so unique and special and the pictures evidence that to a tee. The big games we played, won, lost and learned from all helped us grow to where we were at the end of season. I truly don't think we peaked for a full 40-minute game, so to think when that could have been is what is just heartbreaking. I do believe that would have been the championship game or even in the NCAAs. But we will never know. The fans, support, history, winning how we did, I am beyond thankful and grateful to have played my last year in a Bobcat jersey, even with the ending going how it did."
MARTHA KUDERER: "Reflecting on the season I'm proud of what we accomplished. We set multiple school records and were on pace to break even more. The way the season ended was disappointing. However, the circumstance was far beyond our control and no one can take away what we accomplished this season."
OLIANA SQUIRES: "It all still hasn't set in that it's actually over, but to put it simply this season was unforgettable. The goals that we accomplished this year far exceeded my dreams for my senior year. At the start of the season we came up with the 'made for more' hashtag and I think we were able to live up to that."
MADELINE SMITH: "This was one of the most special teams to be a part of. Looking back, there is no other group of girls I would rather have played with in my final year. We didn't get to complete all our goals, but we accomplished a lot together."
BLAIRE BRAXTON: "I'm reflecting, and I guess you could say coping still. I feel very unsettled with the way that this season ended. This was such an incredible team- I love them so much. All the different personalities and the ways that we communicated with each other was so fun."
The 2019-20 Bobcat women's basketball team broke five school records: best overall record, 25-6; best conference record, 19-1; most conference wins in one season, 19; best points per game average, 76.7 ppg; and most games played in a career, 125 by Blaire Braxton and Madeline Smith. In addition, it tied three school marks: longest winning streak, 17 (which will carry over into 2020-21), most victories, 25, and fewest losses, 6.
Individually, Squires finished her career third in three-point field-goals made (189), tenth in assists (313), tenth in games played (120) and 18th in scoring (1,184). Smith finished third in field-goal percentage (53.2%), ninth in blocks (89), 13th in rebounds (664), and 23rd in scoring (1,022). Braxton finished third in blocks (123) and tenth in rebounding (695).
A pair of underclassmen also found the Bobcat record book. Martell is eighth in three-point field goals made (142), while White posted the tenth best mark for free throws made (109) in a single-season.
On a national level, White finished 25th in the nation in steals (76), 31st in steals per game (2.45), 95th in free throws made (109), 97th in free throw percentage (80.7%), 142nd in free throw attempts (135), 145th in assist/turnover ratio (1.53) and 237th in assists per game (3.4). Freije was 102nd in free throw percentage (80.6%), 125th in rebounds (240), 155th in rebounds per game (7.7), and 176th in field-goal percentage (43.7%). Martell finished 144th in 3-point field-goals made (60) and 168th 3-point field-goals per game (1.94). Smith finished 178th in blocks per game (1.10), while Squires ended 192nd in assist/turnover ratio (1.38) and 240th in 3-point field-goals per game (1.76).
As a team, the Bobcats led the Big Sky Conference in field-goal percentage (44.3%), free throws made (455), rebounds margin (6.0), rebounds (1,266), rebounds per game (40.84), scoring margin (14.3), scoring offense (76.7), steals (306), and steals per game (9.9).
MSU also ranked among the top 50 in the country in free throws made, 17th, scoring margin, 19th, scoring offense, 19th, free throw attempts, 27th, steals, 29th, field-goal percentage, 30th, rebounds, 31st, rebounds per game, 36th, rebound margin, 39th, steals per game, 41st, and three-point field-goal percentage, 43rd.
The Bobcats finished the season listed No. 57 in the final NCAA RPI rankings. And, of its 2019-20 opponents, only Gonzaga (12) and Texas A&M (21) ranked higher than the Bobcats.
Montana State's impressive list of accomplishments will be forever etched in the annals of program history. However, it's not the numbers the team wants to be remembered.
FALLYN FREIJE: "How to be remembered for me is more the way we played rather than the stats we had. The love we had for the team, putting it all out there for one another every game; the chemistry and joy we had with one another on and off the court, which in turn helped us level up on the court; the love and appreciation we had for our community and fans; the little girls looking up to us, things like that. Yes, we did historic things throughout the whole year stats wise, but I want us to be remembered as how we were as people and why we were able to do what we did stats wise. A lot of work and chemistry behind the scenes to make it the way it was. A team that gave it their all, didn't matter if we were up or down we were going to go hard, to work together and be as balanced as we were with accepting roles to be as special as we could be is what I hope this team is remembered as and a model year for the teams to come at MSU."
MARTHA KUDERER: "Throughout the 2019-2020 season this team received community support second to none. The Bozeman community is truly amazing. I hope the Bozeman community can remember this team not solely for our successes on the court but also as a team that played our hearts out, each and every game, because of how much we cared for each other and our community."
OLIANA SQUIRES: "I want this 2019-20 team to be remembered as an example for what it means to never be satisfied and always strive for being the best. I think that this team really showed that this season was about so much more than basketball."
MADELINE SMITH: "This team should be remembered as one of the most accomplished groups to play together at Montana State. I hope every team after us maintains the standards we set as a team this year."
BLAIRE BRAXTON: "I want us to be remembered as a group of young women who were going to shock the world but got that taken away. I want us to be remembered as people that came together for the common love of a game and left as sisters with a stronger bond than any of us have ever experienced. We love each other and love basketball and the opportunity that we had to do that together was an incredible experience that no one is going to forget."
But as COVID-19 put an abrupt halt to a storybook season, the Bobcat women's basketball team can take solace that their journey will be etched in the annals as one of the all-time greatest accomplishments by any team that ever wore the Blue and Gold.
The Bobcats ended the season 25-6 overall- the best won/loss record in school history. They finished 19-1 in Big Sky Conference play- the most wins ever recorded by a women's team in the history of the league and matched only by the 2012-13 Montana men's team. It achieved the milestones behind a prolific offense and a stout defense. It's 2,379 points and 76.7 points per game average were both school records.
With a quarterfinal win over Northern Colorado and a semifinal victory over Northern Arizona, MSU ran its win streak to 17 straight, matching the record held by the 1987-88 Bobcats. The championship game on Friday, March 13 against Idaho was a shot at another record-breaking goal. And, ultimately a trip to the NCAA Tournament, the final payoff for the blood, sweat and tears that had been left on hardwood floors throughout the season.
Expectations of an exceptional season were evident early as Big Sky Conference coaches and media both picked the Bobcats to win the league in preseason polls. In addition, Fallyn Freije was tabbed preseason MVP, while four-year veteran Oliana Squires also received accolades.
But before the Bobcats could lay claim to any of the predictions, they would have to navigate, arguably, the toughest preseason schedule in program history. Three non-conference opponents, Minnesota, Gonzaga and Texas A&M, were ranked in the AP Top 25, while UC Davis and South Dakota State were coming off 20-win seasons and conference championships.
An ace in the pocket of the Bobcats' hand was its three four-year seniors – Blaire Braxton, Madeline Smith and Squires. The trio were freshmen when MSU captured its last Big Sky Tournament title and they played a big role guiding the squad to its first NCAA Tournament since 1993.
Head Coach Tricia Binford knew she could draw off their experience and perspective heading into the summer season- when the team came together for the first time. The threesome knew something extraordinary was about to occur. They just had that feeling.
BLAIRE BRAXTON: "I knew something special was going to happen the second that we all got together in the summer. The freshmen were eager, and the seniors had a strong sense of urgency. There was an incredible understanding that our team could be great. If no one else knew, I think all of the seniors understood what was happening and how we wanted it to go."
MADELINE SMITH: "I knew this team had the potential to be special from the beginning of the year, but when we were in Puerto Rico and had a lead on Texas A&M (ranked #11 nationally at the time) for most of the game I knew we could beat anyone if we played like that for 40-minutes."
OLIANA SQUIRES: "From the start, this team just felt different than previous years; the work ethic, the heart, and the chemistry felt special."
The Bobcats opened the season with three consecutive victories, including a 77-65 decision over UC Davis in the season-opener. MSU's balance was apparent early as four Bobcats hit double-figures led by freshman point-guard Darian White with 15 points. The victory over the Aggies set an early tone for what was to come. The Bobcats quickly defined themselves as a team that would find its greatest success when receiving contributions from every player on the roster.
MSU followed its three-game homestand with three on the road. The Bobcats first outing was a 10-point loss at South Dakota State. Two days later, the Cats went toe-to-toe with Big 10 foe Minnesota in Williams Arena. MSU held a 12-point lead over the Golden Gophers in the third quarter before UM flexed its muscle and outscored the Bobcats by 14-points in the final frame.
Despite the two losses, the Bobcats quickly regrouped to post its first road win of the season at Seattle U. With its record at 4-2, MSU faced the 'gauntlet,'- a stretch of three games, including two against AP Top 25 opponents Gonzaga and Texas A&M.
In front of 2,837 fans in Worthington Arena, No. 18 Gonzaga handed the Bobcats a 70-55 setback. MSU trailed by four points in the third quarter, but the hot-shooting Zags pulled away with a barrage of three-pointers. The outcome proved to be MSU's largest margin of defeat on the season.
Following a two-week hiatus for finals, the Bobcats prepared for its last two non-conference games at the Coqui Classic in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In the tournament opener, Wichita State scored on an offensive put back with 1.6-seconds remaining to defeat the Cats.
The next afternoon, MSU played a game that would establish a benchmark for the remainder of the season. The Bobcats faced No. 11 Texas A&M under the direction of Hall of Fame coach Gary Blair, who had just posted his 800th career victory. The Aggies were picked second in the SEC preseason poll and its two-time All-American Chennedy Carter was tabbed as the top player in the historically powerful conference.
After the opening 10-minutes, the Bobcats held a 19-12 advantage before Texas A&M got on track to take a 35-33 lead at intermission. Relishing in its underdog role, MSU stayed with the Aggies, never backing down, trailing 62-60 with 6:32 remaining. Squires' fastbreak jumper with 3:31 left kept the Bobcats within striking distance at 68-65, but MSU would score just one more time down the stretch as the Aggies pulled out the victory.
The Bobcats ended its non-conference with a 4-5 slate.
MARTHA KUDERER: "I could tell something special was happening with this team after the Puerto Rico trip where we played our final games before the conference season. We hung with and led the No. 11th-ranked team (Texas A&M) in the country for most of the game. While we didn't end up with the win, we fought so hard as a team. We gained the confidence and belief that we could be a great team."
FALLYN FREIJE: "I think the Puerto Rico trip was huge for us as a team establishing chemistry off the court. We already had it, but it definitely advanced quicker than most teams probably do, and to have conference right after, it just kept getting better and better. I could just feel this sort of 'wow this is going to be special if we keep building on this trip.'"
The Bobcats opened its Big Sky Conference season with a convincing 37-point victory at Sacramento State and captured its first league road sweep with a 72-64 win at Northern Arizona, two days later. The following week, MSU rang in the New Year with a pair of dominating performances defeating Northern Colorado and Southern Utah by an average of 29.5 points. The Bobcats put up 91 points in both games highlighted by five players posting double-digits, while shooting 53.8% in its win over UNC.
With a 4-0 league mark, the Bobcats faced its first major challenge of the Big Sky season facing defending conference champion Idaho. The Vandals were picked second in the preseason polls. And, as advertised, the game proved worthy of the hype.
The game featured 14 ties and 11 lead changes. MSU held a six-point advantage with 4:51 left in the contest as freshman Madison Jackson hit a three-pointer. With 2:41 remaining the Bobcats suffered its biggest setback as Squires went down with a game-ending ankle injury. Idaho's Beyonce Bea cut the margin to three-points at the 2:05 mark and hit from long distance with 16-seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.
Jackson, one three freshmen sensations for the Cats during the 2019-20 campaign, gave MSU a three-point lead on her second triple with 51-seconds left in overtime. UI's Ginza Marxen answered on a 3-pointer with 24-seconds left, and neither team scored down the stretch forcing a second extra period.
The game was tied four times in the second overtime frame before Freije gave the Bobcats a 68-67 lead on a layup with 1:16 left. Idaho's Natalie Klinker turned the table with 46-seconds left on a pair of free throws and MSU's two attempts with under 35-seconds left came up short as the Vandals held on for the one-point victory.
The loss would be Montana State's last of the season.
The Bobcats had little time to wallow in a hard-fought defeat. A practice followed by a late afternoon flight to Portland the next day quickly turned their attention on two road games, a week apart.
MSU jumped out to a 37-18 advantage at halftime against Portland State and cruised to the win as White, Martha Kuderer and Tori Martell also posted double-digits scoring.
MSU traveled to Eastern Washington in its only game the following Saturday. The Bobcats needed a 23-14 fourth quarter to rally from an 11-point deficit to force overtime. Jackson's fifth three-pointer of the game gave Montana State a five-point lead in the second overtime and MSU escaped with the victory. The Cats had five players in double figures led by White with a season-high 23 points. Jackson ended with 15 points, all coming from long distance.
The Bobcats returned to the warm confines of Worthington Arena for a pair of victories over Weber State and Idaho State. During the two-game stretch, the Cats held its opponents to 55.5 points per game, 37.6% shooting and out-rebounded its foes by +9.5.
MSU entered the mid-way point of the Big Sky season with an 8-1 mark and a date with the Lady Griz in Missoula on Feb. 1. In front of 3,617 spectators, the Bobcats struggled connecting on 14-of-56 from the field. Trailing 46-32 with 3:12 left in the third quarter, MSU started to heat-up, converting seven-of-12 from the field down the stretch. On the defensive end, MSU shut down the Lady Griz as its intra-state rival went zero-of-15 from the field in the fourth quarter.
Freije's 12-foot jumper with 14-seconds to play sent the game to overtime, then she scored 10 of Montana State's 15 points in the extra period to boost the Cats to a 66-61 win over the Lady Griz. The Edmore, N.D. product finished with a career-high 27 points. The win was Montana State's eighth in the last 11 against Montana, and second in its last three trips to Dahlberg Arena.
The Bobcats entered the second half of the league season looking to avenge its double-overtime loss to Idaho. The first three quarters mirrored the game in Bozeman a month earlier with the Vandals holding a 43-31 lead going into the final frame. The Vandals pushed its advantage to six-points with 6:39 remaining, but MSU out-scored Idaho 17-5 down the stretch as five different players produced points, earning the Bobcats a 62-56 victory.
Following a convincing win over Eastern Washington in Worthington Arena, the Bobcats took its annual trip down the I-15 corridor. It's first stop was Idaho State; a place that has given MSU fits over the years. The Bobcats quickly doused any doubt of a Pocatello stumble getting out to a 38-23 lead at halftime and pushing the margin to 23-points at the end of the third quarter. In all, six players reached double-digits scoring as MSU shot 47.3% from the field.
Its last game of the road swing at Weber State was the beginning of the greatest offensive run over a four-game span in Bobcat women's basketball history. Posting victories over the Wildcats (102-67), Portland State (98-67), Montana (92-78) and Sacramento State (113-69), the Bobcats averaged 101.3 points per game, out-scoring their opponents by +31.0 points. In addition, MSU shot 54.1% from the field, including 49.4% from beyond the arc. The Bobcats averaged 10.8 three-pointers per game and capped the run as seven players reached double-figures scoring against Sacramento State.
In its win over the Lady Griz, MSU's 92-point outburst was the most a Bobcat team had ever put up over UM. With the victory, Montana State celebrated its third Big Sky regular season championship in the last five seasons amidst a flurry of confetti following the game, and Bobcat players, coaches, and staff members snipped pieces of the net. The win was MSU's fourth straight against the Lady Griz, was the fifth straight against UM in Worthington Arena, and marked the program's first back-to-back sweeps of Montana since the 1975-76 and 1976-77 seasons.
Montana State's final home game of the season was appropriately played on Saturday, Feb. 29 at 2 p.m. MSU fans were privy to an extra day of Bobcat women's basketball. In front of 2,363 spectators, the Bobcats bid farewell to its five outstanding seniors- Braxton, Freije, Kuderer, Smith and Squires.
A surging Northern Arizona squad played on MSU's emotions early building a 40-26 advantage at intermission. The Lumberjacks took its largest lead at 16-points at the 9:48 mark of the third period before the Bobcats started chipping away at the margin. By the end of the frame, MSU had the NAU lead down to five. The Lumberjacks held off the Bobcats until a pair of Kuderer free throws gave MSU a 65-64 lead with 3:25 remaining. NAU retook the lead but a pair of free throws by Braxton with two-minutes left gave MSU the cushion it needed to secure the victory.
With two regular season games and the Big Sky Tournament remaining, Montana State raised its record to 21-6 overall, 17-1 in Big Sky Conference play. The team wrapped up its third Big Sky title in five years and gave the three fourth-year seniors – Braxton, Smith, and Squires – bookend titles to their careers.
The Bobcats closed out the Big Sky regular season with victories at Southern Utah and Northern Colorado to go undefeated in league road games- a first in the history of the program.
After its Friday night game in Greeley, the Bobcats flew directly to Boise, Idaho on Saturday in preparation for the Big Sky Conference Tournament. As the No. 1 seed, MSU would play the first quarterfinal game on Tuesday, March 10 against Northern Colorado. The game would mark the second straight season in which the Bobcats would face the team it had finished the regular season against.
Tuesday's contest proved to be quite a homecoming for White. Montana State's sensational point guard scored 19 points, nailing three of her four free throws in the closing seconds to lead the Bobcats to a 67-62 win in her hometown. The 5-6 guard also grabbed six rebounds and added three assists and two steals.
The Big Sky Freshman of the Year wasn't the only Bobcat to turn in a special performance. Big Sky Player of the Year Fallyn Freije scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Squires added 13 points. Braxton chipped in nine points off the bench.
In a season with so many games decided late in the fourth quarter, Montana State faced one more make-or-break defensive possession in Wednesday's Big Sky Conference semifinal contest.
In the waning moments, Northern Arizona possessed, down three, a chance to tie the game. Montana State defended, one possession away from qualifying for the second Big Sky Tournament Championship in four years. And with 16 seconds remaining, in the game's biggest moment, Braxton was there.
The only one of Montana State's five seniors that comes off the bench got her hand on a pass toward the paint from Northern Arizona's Khiarica Rasheed, Jackson ripped the ball from the clutches of an NAU player and shoveled it to White, who was fouled. On the possession that ensued Squires sank two free throws, and MSU secured the victory to advance to Friday afternoon's Big Sky Conference Championship game.
Braxton was one of three Bobcats in double-figures scoring, with White, who scored 19, and Freije, who netted 11. Braxton led all players in rebounds, logged two steals, and didn't miss a shot. The Highlands Ranch, Colorado, product finished 3-for-3 from the floor and 5-for-5 from the line. And she served as the steadying force so often in a game that saw NAU answer every time the Big Sky regular season champion Bobcats seemed poised to pull away.
Following a brief postgame celebration that included MSU President Waded Cruzado, the Bobcats scattered throughout CenturyLink Arena to see who they would face in the championship game. Fittingly, Idaho defeated Idaho State 66-51, to set up the rubber-match between to two rivals.
On Wednesday night, the NBA suspended its season. Soon, conferences all over the United States canceled its tournaments due to the spreading COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday morning, the Big Sky Conference would follow suit. After an emotional team meeting, the Bobcat women's season came to a tearful end. Instead of celebrating a possible BSC title on Friday, the Bobcats found comfort in each other one more time.
FALLYN FREIJE: "I've had some time to reflect on the year, although it's so hard to look past those last few days in Boise as it still hurts just as much and is upsetting and surreal, still wishing it could all go back. Looking through pictures from the year, the smiles and cheering ones are my favorite. This team was so unique and special and the pictures evidence that to a tee. The big games we played, won, lost and learned from all helped us grow to where we were at the end of season. I truly don't think we peaked for a full 40-minute game, so to think when that could have been is what is just heartbreaking. I do believe that would have been the championship game or even in the NCAAs. But we will never know. The fans, support, history, winning how we did, I am beyond thankful and grateful to have played my last year in a Bobcat jersey, even with the ending going how it did."
MARTHA KUDERER: "Reflecting on the season I'm proud of what we accomplished. We set multiple school records and were on pace to break even more. The way the season ended was disappointing. However, the circumstance was far beyond our control and no one can take away what we accomplished this season."
OLIANA SQUIRES: "It all still hasn't set in that it's actually over, but to put it simply this season was unforgettable. The goals that we accomplished this year far exceeded my dreams for my senior year. At the start of the season we came up with the 'made for more' hashtag and I think we were able to live up to that."
MADELINE SMITH: "This was one of the most special teams to be a part of. Looking back, there is no other group of girls I would rather have played with in my final year. We didn't get to complete all our goals, but we accomplished a lot together."
BLAIRE BRAXTON: "I'm reflecting, and I guess you could say coping still. I feel very unsettled with the way that this season ended. This was such an incredible team- I love them so much. All the different personalities and the ways that we communicated with each other was so fun."
The 2019-20 Bobcat women's basketball team broke five school records: best overall record, 25-6; best conference record, 19-1; most conference wins in one season, 19; best points per game average, 76.7 ppg; and most games played in a career, 125 by Blaire Braxton and Madeline Smith. In addition, it tied three school marks: longest winning streak, 17 (which will carry over into 2020-21), most victories, 25, and fewest losses, 6.
Individually, Squires finished her career third in three-point field-goals made (189), tenth in assists (313), tenth in games played (120) and 18th in scoring (1,184). Smith finished third in field-goal percentage (53.2%), ninth in blocks (89), 13th in rebounds (664), and 23rd in scoring (1,022). Braxton finished third in blocks (123) and tenth in rebounding (695).
A pair of underclassmen also found the Bobcat record book. Martell is eighth in three-point field goals made (142), while White posted the tenth best mark for free throws made (109) in a single-season.
On a national level, White finished 25th in the nation in steals (76), 31st in steals per game (2.45), 95th in free throws made (109), 97th in free throw percentage (80.7%), 142nd in free throw attempts (135), 145th in assist/turnover ratio (1.53) and 237th in assists per game (3.4). Freije was 102nd in free throw percentage (80.6%), 125th in rebounds (240), 155th in rebounds per game (7.7), and 176th in field-goal percentage (43.7%). Martell finished 144th in 3-point field-goals made (60) and 168th 3-point field-goals per game (1.94). Smith finished 178th in blocks per game (1.10), while Squires ended 192nd in assist/turnover ratio (1.38) and 240th in 3-point field-goals per game (1.76).
As a team, the Bobcats led the Big Sky Conference in field-goal percentage (44.3%), free throws made (455), rebounds margin (6.0), rebounds (1,266), rebounds per game (40.84), scoring margin (14.3), scoring offense (76.7), steals (306), and steals per game (9.9).
MSU also ranked among the top 50 in the country in free throws made, 17th, scoring margin, 19th, scoring offense, 19th, free throw attempts, 27th, steals, 29th, field-goal percentage, 30th, rebounds, 31st, rebounds per game, 36th, rebound margin, 39th, steals per game, 41st, and three-point field-goal percentage, 43rd.
The Bobcats finished the season listed No. 57 in the final NCAA RPI rankings. And, of its 2019-20 opponents, only Gonzaga (12) and Texas A&M (21) ranked higher than the Bobcats.
Montana State's impressive list of accomplishments will be forever etched in the annals of program history. However, it's not the numbers the team wants to be remembered.
FALLYN FREIJE: "How to be remembered for me is more the way we played rather than the stats we had. The love we had for the team, putting it all out there for one another every game; the chemistry and joy we had with one another on and off the court, which in turn helped us level up on the court; the love and appreciation we had for our community and fans; the little girls looking up to us, things like that. Yes, we did historic things throughout the whole year stats wise, but I want us to be remembered as how we were as people and why we were able to do what we did stats wise. A lot of work and chemistry behind the scenes to make it the way it was. A team that gave it their all, didn't matter if we were up or down we were going to go hard, to work together and be as balanced as we were with accepting roles to be as special as we could be is what I hope this team is remembered as and a model year for the teams to come at MSU."
MARTHA KUDERER: "Throughout the 2019-2020 season this team received community support second to none. The Bozeman community is truly amazing. I hope the Bozeman community can remember this team not solely for our successes on the court but also as a team that played our hearts out, each and every game, because of how much we cared for each other and our community."
OLIANA SQUIRES: "I want this 2019-20 team to be remembered as an example for what it means to never be satisfied and always strive for being the best. I think that this team really showed that this season was about so much more than basketball."
MADELINE SMITH: "This team should be remembered as one of the most accomplished groups to play together at Montana State. I hope every team after us maintains the standards we set as a team this year."
BLAIRE BRAXTON: "I want us to be remembered as a group of young women who were going to shock the world but got that taken away. I want us to be remembered as people that came together for the common love of a game and left as sisters with a stronger bond than any of us have ever experienced. We love each other and love basketball and the opportunity that we had to do that together was an incredible experience that no one is going to forget."
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/ Women's BasketballWednesday, January 26
Saturday, December 18
Thursday, November 04
Tuesday, November 02
