Thursday, January 21
BOZEMAN
7 p.m.
Montana State University
vs
Northern Arizona
Photo by: Garrett Becker
Bobcats Host League Series with Northern Arizona
1/19/2021 3:09:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Montana State women’s basketball team will play three straight games in Worthington Arena, beginning with Northern Arizona on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 7:05 p.m.
WHO: Northern Arizona at Montana State
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 @ 7:05 p.m. (MST); Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021 @ 12:05 p.m.
WHERE: Bozeman, Mont. - Worthington Arena (6,772)
RECORDS: Montana St.: 5-5, 2-2; No. Arizona: 6-6, 4-4
SERIES: Montana State leads 49-22; Streak: MSU W3
LAST MTG: March 11, 2020 - MSU 76, NAU 71 at BSCT
RADIO: Live on My 103.5 KZMY FM with Mark Martello on the call; pregame begins 15-minutes prior to opening tip.
VIDEO: Montana State's game against Northern Arizona on Thursday can be seen on Pluto TV - Channel 1057
HOME SWEET HOME: The Montana State women's basketball team will play three straight games in Worthington Arena, beginning with Northern Arizona on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 7:05 p.m. The Bobcats will conclude the weekend against the Lumberjacks on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 12:05 p.m. MSU will finish its homestand when it hosts Montana on Jan. 28 at 7:05 p.m., before making the trek to Missoula on Jan. 30.
BOBCAT PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Junior Gabby Mocchi is the Bobcat Player of the Week for her effort at Portland State, last weekend. The 6-1 junior from Champlin, Minn., averaged 17.1 points and 3.0 rebounds in the two-game series. In addition, Mocchi shot 50% from the field, 50% from long distance and 72.7% from the free throw line. On Saturday, she posted a career-high 18 points, connecting on seven-of-12 from the field and three-of-four at the line. Mocchi has started the last four games for the Bobcats and has averaged 12.8 points, while shooting 50% from the floor. On the season, she is averaging 7.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per contest.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING: Last week, the Bobcats did its job at the free throw line converting 28-34 (82.4%). MSU is ranked 23rd in the nation shooting 76.9% at the line.
THE SCOUTING REPORT: Northern Arizona - The Lumberjacks enter Thursday's contest 6-6 overall and 4-4 in Big Sky Conference action. Northern Arizona split a home series with Montana, last weekend. The Lady Griz defeated the Lumberjacks 83-74 in the series opener before NAU returned the favor with an 89-76 victory over UM on Saturday. In Big Sky action, NAU swept its series with Eastern Washington and split with Idaho, before being swept by Idaho State on Jan. 7 & 9 in Pocatello. The Lumberjacks were picked to finish third in the preseason Big Sky Coaches' poll. NAU has the most potent offense in the Big Sky, averaging 73.2 points, while shooting 43.3% from the field. Six Lumberjack players average in double-figures, including Jacqulynn Nakai 18.3, Emily Rodabaugh 13.6, Miki'ala Maio 11.3, Jacey Bailey 11.3, and Khiarica Rasheed 10.6. Rasheed was the league's preseason MVP selection. She is shooting 48.7% from the floor, while hauling down 4.4 rebounds per contest but has played in just five games to date. NAU's deep threat comes at the hands of Nakai, Rodabaugh and Bailey. Each have connected on 20 or more three-pointers this season, with Rodabaugh hitting at a 55.3% (21-38) clip from beyond the arc. Under the boards, the Lumberjacks average 35.6 rebounds per game. NAU is led under the glass by Regan Schenck, a 5-7 guard, who averages 7.3 rebounds per contest. Former Havre High and Washington standout Loree Payne is in her fourth season at the helm of the Northern Arizona program.
BIG SKY NOTES: Idaho State remained atop the Big Sky standings with an 8-0 mark following its sweep of Sacramento State last weekend...The Bengals are 9-1 overall with their lone loss coming to Nebraska... Due to CoVID-19-19 testing within the Eastern Washington program, last week's series with Southern Utah was canceled...SUU's Liz Graves was named Big Sky Player of the Week after scoring 33 points vs. UTRGV.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: Since losing to San Diego on Nov. 24, 2015, Montana State has gone 57-13 (81.4.%) in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. In Big Sky Conference action during the same time span, the Bobcats are 39-10 (79.6%) at home.
THE STREAK: With its win over North Dakota on Dec. 6, the Bobcats ran its consecutive winning streak to a school-record 18 games. Montana State started the streak on Jan. 11, 2020 with a 73-62 victory at Portland State. MSU closed out the 2019-20 season with a 76-71 win over Northern Arizona in semifinal action at the Big Sky Tournament on March 11 in Boise, Idaho. The season was halted the next day due to COVID-19. MSU's 18-game win streak was snapped at BYU on Dec. 10. The streak was the third longest in the nation at the time, behind only Oregon (24) and Princeton (22).
PRESEASON ACCOLADES: Montana State sophomore Darian White, who broke onto the women's basketball scene last winter, was named to the preseason all-Big Sky Conference team voted on by BSC head coaches and media members. White, a product of Boise, Idaho, was the 2020 Big Sky Freshman of the Year, after helping the Bobcats to a 25-6 overall mark, a dominating 19-1 league ledger and a Big Sky title. In what was arguably one of the best inaugural campaigns in MSU history, White collected 394 points, 150 rebounds, 104 assists and 76 steals. She played and started in all 31 games, averaging 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.5 steals per game. White, who recorded 25 games in double-digit scoring, including the last ten games, notched a season-high 23 points in MSU's win at Eastern Washington connecting on eight-of-15 from the field and six-of-six at the line. She finished 25th in the nation in steals and 31st in the country in steals per game. In MSU's two victories at the Big Sky Tournament, White was averaging 19 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.0 assists per game, before the championship game was called due to COVID-19.
A LITTLE BIT OF TORI: Tori Martell, a product of Somerset, Wis., moved up the all-time Montana State three-point made chart. Martell has 171 career 3-pointers, which ranks fifth all-time. Ahead of her on MSU's all-time list are Katie Bussey (254), Hannah Caudill (231), Oliana Squires (184) and Amy Meckling (174). Martell's career 35.6% shooting from beyond the arc ranks 10th all-time at Montana State. Martell's eight 3-pointers against North Dakota on Dec. 6, 2020 broke the MSU school-record of seven previously held by Amy Meckling (Jan. 2, 2000), Brandi Lewis (Feb. 13, 2003) and Hannah Caudill (Jan. 28, 2017). Martell's total is tied for third most in the nation this season.
DARE TO BE: Sophomore Darian White has picked up where she left off last season. The preseason All-Big Sky Conference selection leads the Bobcats and is sixth in the Big Sky averaging 14.7 points per game. She's been over the 20+ point mark on three occasions, with a career-best 24 points in MSU's win at Portland on Dec. 17. White, a graduate of Mountain View High School in Boise, Idaho, also leads the team in assists (44), steals (29) and free throws made (43). In addition, White is averaging a team-best 5.7 rebounds per game. She recorded a career-high 11 rebounds at Portland.
ALL JACKED UP: Madison Jackson had her best game of the season at BYU on Dec. 10. The Parma, Idaho product tallied 11 points, her first double-digit output since notching a career-best 15 points at Eastern Washington last January. Against the Cougars, Jackson did most of her work at the free throw line connecting on a career-best nine-of-nine. For the season, she is averaging 5.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. She's been sidelined the last seven games.
KUDOS TO KOLA: Sophomore Kola Bad Bear has played and started in all ten games to date. The 6-2 product of Billings Senior is averaging 6.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per contest. Bad Bear had her best outing of the season at Portland State, last Thursday, posting a career-high 16 points, connecting on seven-of-10 from the field. She has been in double-digit scoring on three occasions. Bad Bear pulled down a season-best six rebounds at BYU on Dec. 10. On the season, she is fourth on the Bobcat squad shooting 80.8% at the free throw. Bad Bear has converted 21-26 charity tosses. Her 21 makes are second highest on the squad.
EASY PEASY: True-freshman Katelynn Limardo has started all ten games for the Bobcats to date. The 6-2 product of Silver City, N.M. (a town where lawman Harvey Whitehall was the first to arrest Billy the Kid, known at the time under the alias Henry Antrim in 1875) is averaging 5.5 points per game. Limardo had her best game of the season at Utah Valley scoring a team-high 15 points. Against the Wolverines, she connected on 6-of-8 from the field and was three-of-five from long distance. Limardo also chipped in four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in the win. On the season, she's averaging 4.4 rebounds per game. Limardo had a season-best eight rebounds in MSU's win at Portland State. She is shooting 75% (12-16) from the free throw line.
THE PRIDE OF ROSEMOUNT: True freshman Taylor Janssen has played in all ten games, including three starts. She is averaging 18.2 minutes per contest. The Rosemount, Minn., native is averaging 5.2 points per game. Janssen posted a season-high 10 points in MSU's season-opening victory over North Dakota. Against the Fighting Hawks, Janssen recorded four baskets, including two from long distance. She also added five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Last weekend, Janssen averaged 7.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
LAUDING LEXI: Lexi Deden has played in all ten games. The 6-1 forward from Missoula is averaging 6.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest. Deden recorded a season-high 15 points, connecting on seven-of-12 at Portland State on Thursday. For the weekend, she averaged 11.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest, while shooting 45% from the field. Deden pulled down a season-best eight rebounds in MSU's win over Northern Colorado on Jan. 9. The Deden name is familiar in Montana basketball circles. Deden's mother Dawn (Silliker) Deden played for Montana from 1984-88. At UM, she was a 1,000-point scorer and was an all-Mountain West pick. In addition, Lexi's aunt and head coach at Sentinel High School, Karen Deden, was a standout at Washington and is in the Husky Hall of Fame.
SKYE'S THE LIMIT: Skye Lindsay, who sat out last season after transferring from Pepperdine, has seen action in four games this season and is averaging 6.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. The Orem, Utah product posted a season-best 11 points in MSU's win at Portland. In MSU's game against South Dakota State, Lindsay recorded eight points and five rebounds.
DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS: Leia Beattie, a product of Midland, Texas, posted a season-best 12 points against South Dakota State on Dec. 21. On the season, she is averaging 16.2 minutes per game and has recorded eight steals, which is fourth best on the team. Beattie also has a familiar Montana basketball pedigree. Her mother, Kelly (Pilcher) Beattie was a two-time All-Big Sky selection for the Lady Griz and is sixth all-time in assists. In addition, her 15 assists vs. Boise State and No. Arizona still rank first in single-game history. Beattie's aunt/coach at Midland Christian, Carla (Beattie) Cunneen, is a former Lady Griz who was the 1996 Big Sky Sixth Player of the Year.
ASHLEY'S ACCOLADES: Junior Ashley Van Sickle recorded a season-high five points at Portland State on Saturday. For the game, she also connected on one triple and pulled down three rebounds.
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 @ 7:05 p.m. (MST); Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021 @ 12:05 p.m.
WHERE: Bozeman, Mont. - Worthington Arena (6,772)
RECORDS: Montana St.: 5-5, 2-2; No. Arizona: 6-6, 4-4
SERIES: Montana State leads 49-22; Streak: MSU W3
LAST MTG: March 11, 2020 - MSU 76, NAU 71 at BSCT
RADIO: Live on My 103.5 KZMY FM with Mark Martello on the call; pregame begins 15-minutes prior to opening tip.
VIDEO: Montana State's game against Northern Arizona on Thursday can be seen on Pluto TV - Channel 1057
HOME SWEET HOME: The Montana State women's basketball team will play three straight games in Worthington Arena, beginning with Northern Arizona on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 7:05 p.m. The Bobcats will conclude the weekend against the Lumberjacks on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 12:05 p.m. MSU will finish its homestand when it hosts Montana on Jan. 28 at 7:05 p.m., before making the trek to Missoula on Jan. 30.
BOBCAT PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Junior Gabby Mocchi is the Bobcat Player of the Week for her effort at Portland State, last weekend. The 6-1 junior from Champlin, Minn., averaged 17.1 points and 3.0 rebounds in the two-game series. In addition, Mocchi shot 50% from the field, 50% from long distance and 72.7% from the free throw line. On Saturday, she posted a career-high 18 points, connecting on seven-of-12 from the field and three-of-four at the line. Mocchi has started the last four games for the Bobcats and has averaged 12.8 points, while shooting 50% from the floor. On the season, she is averaging 7.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per contest.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING: Last week, the Bobcats did its job at the free throw line converting 28-34 (82.4%). MSU is ranked 23rd in the nation shooting 76.9% at the line.
THE SCOUTING REPORT: Northern Arizona - The Lumberjacks enter Thursday's contest 6-6 overall and 4-4 in Big Sky Conference action. Northern Arizona split a home series with Montana, last weekend. The Lady Griz defeated the Lumberjacks 83-74 in the series opener before NAU returned the favor with an 89-76 victory over UM on Saturday. In Big Sky action, NAU swept its series with Eastern Washington and split with Idaho, before being swept by Idaho State on Jan. 7 & 9 in Pocatello. The Lumberjacks were picked to finish third in the preseason Big Sky Coaches' poll. NAU has the most potent offense in the Big Sky, averaging 73.2 points, while shooting 43.3% from the field. Six Lumberjack players average in double-figures, including Jacqulynn Nakai 18.3, Emily Rodabaugh 13.6, Miki'ala Maio 11.3, Jacey Bailey 11.3, and Khiarica Rasheed 10.6. Rasheed was the league's preseason MVP selection. She is shooting 48.7% from the floor, while hauling down 4.4 rebounds per contest but has played in just five games to date. NAU's deep threat comes at the hands of Nakai, Rodabaugh and Bailey. Each have connected on 20 or more three-pointers this season, with Rodabaugh hitting at a 55.3% (21-38) clip from beyond the arc. Under the boards, the Lumberjacks average 35.6 rebounds per game. NAU is led under the glass by Regan Schenck, a 5-7 guard, who averages 7.3 rebounds per contest. Former Havre High and Washington standout Loree Payne is in her fourth season at the helm of the Northern Arizona program.
BIG SKY NOTES: Idaho State remained atop the Big Sky standings with an 8-0 mark following its sweep of Sacramento State last weekend...The Bengals are 9-1 overall with their lone loss coming to Nebraska... Due to CoVID-19-19 testing within the Eastern Washington program, last week's series with Southern Utah was canceled...SUU's Liz Graves was named Big Sky Player of the Week after scoring 33 points vs. UTRGV.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: Since losing to San Diego on Nov. 24, 2015, Montana State has gone 57-13 (81.4.%) in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. In Big Sky Conference action during the same time span, the Bobcats are 39-10 (79.6%) at home.
THE STREAK: With its win over North Dakota on Dec. 6, the Bobcats ran its consecutive winning streak to a school-record 18 games. Montana State started the streak on Jan. 11, 2020 with a 73-62 victory at Portland State. MSU closed out the 2019-20 season with a 76-71 win over Northern Arizona in semifinal action at the Big Sky Tournament on March 11 in Boise, Idaho. The season was halted the next day due to COVID-19. MSU's 18-game win streak was snapped at BYU on Dec. 10. The streak was the third longest in the nation at the time, behind only Oregon (24) and Princeton (22).
PRESEASON ACCOLADES: Montana State sophomore Darian White, who broke onto the women's basketball scene last winter, was named to the preseason all-Big Sky Conference team voted on by BSC head coaches and media members. White, a product of Boise, Idaho, was the 2020 Big Sky Freshman of the Year, after helping the Bobcats to a 25-6 overall mark, a dominating 19-1 league ledger and a Big Sky title. In what was arguably one of the best inaugural campaigns in MSU history, White collected 394 points, 150 rebounds, 104 assists and 76 steals. She played and started in all 31 games, averaging 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.5 steals per game. White, who recorded 25 games in double-digit scoring, including the last ten games, notched a season-high 23 points in MSU's win at Eastern Washington connecting on eight-of-15 from the field and six-of-six at the line. She finished 25th in the nation in steals and 31st in the country in steals per game. In MSU's two victories at the Big Sky Tournament, White was averaging 19 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.0 assists per game, before the championship game was called due to COVID-19.
A LITTLE BIT OF TORI: Tori Martell, a product of Somerset, Wis., moved up the all-time Montana State three-point made chart. Martell has 171 career 3-pointers, which ranks fifth all-time. Ahead of her on MSU's all-time list are Katie Bussey (254), Hannah Caudill (231), Oliana Squires (184) and Amy Meckling (174). Martell's career 35.6% shooting from beyond the arc ranks 10th all-time at Montana State. Martell's eight 3-pointers against North Dakota on Dec. 6, 2020 broke the MSU school-record of seven previously held by Amy Meckling (Jan. 2, 2000), Brandi Lewis (Feb. 13, 2003) and Hannah Caudill (Jan. 28, 2017). Martell's total is tied for third most in the nation this season.
DARE TO BE: Sophomore Darian White has picked up where she left off last season. The preseason All-Big Sky Conference selection leads the Bobcats and is sixth in the Big Sky averaging 14.7 points per game. She's been over the 20+ point mark on three occasions, with a career-best 24 points in MSU's win at Portland on Dec. 17. White, a graduate of Mountain View High School in Boise, Idaho, also leads the team in assists (44), steals (29) and free throws made (43). In addition, White is averaging a team-best 5.7 rebounds per game. She recorded a career-high 11 rebounds at Portland.
ALL JACKED UP: Madison Jackson had her best game of the season at BYU on Dec. 10. The Parma, Idaho product tallied 11 points, her first double-digit output since notching a career-best 15 points at Eastern Washington last January. Against the Cougars, Jackson did most of her work at the free throw line connecting on a career-best nine-of-nine. For the season, she is averaging 5.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. She's been sidelined the last seven games.
KUDOS TO KOLA: Sophomore Kola Bad Bear has played and started in all ten games to date. The 6-2 product of Billings Senior is averaging 6.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per contest. Bad Bear had her best outing of the season at Portland State, last Thursday, posting a career-high 16 points, connecting on seven-of-10 from the field. She has been in double-digit scoring on three occasions. Bad Bear pulled down a season-best six rebounds at BYU on Dec. 10. On the season, she is fourth on the Bobcat squad shooting 80.8% at the free throw. Bad Bear has converted 21-26 charity tosses. Her 21 makes are second highest on the squad.
EASY PEASY: True-freshman Katelynn Limardo has started all ten games for the Bobcats to date. The 6-2 product of Silver City, N.M. (a town where lawman Harvey Whitehall was the first to arrest Billy the Kid, known at the time under the alias Henry Antrim in 1875) is averaging 5.5 points per game. Limardo had her best game of the season at Utah Valley scoring a team-high 15 points. Against the Wolverines, she connected on 6-of-8 from the field and was three-of-five from long distance. Limardo also chipped in four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in the win. On the season, she's averaging 4.4 rebounds per game. Limardo had a season-best eight rebounds in MSU's win at Portland State. She is shooting 75% (12-16) from the free throw line.
THE PRIDE OF ROSEMOUNT: True freshman Taylor Janssen has played in all ten games, including three starts. She is averaging 18.2 minutes per contest. The Rosemount, Minn., native is averaging 5.2 points per game. Janssen posted a season-high 10 points in MSU's season-opening victory over North Dakota. Against the Fighting Hawks, Janssen recorded four baskets, including two from long distance. She also added five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Last weekend, Janssen averaged 7.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
LAUDING LEXI: Lexi Deden has played in all ten games. The 6-1 forward from Missoula is averaging 6.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest. Deden recorded a season-high 15 points, connecting on seven-of-12 at Portland State on Thursday. For the weekend, she averaged 11.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest, while shooting 45% from the field. Deden pulled down a season-best eight rebounds in MSU's win over Northern Colorado on Jan. 9. The Deden name is familiar in Montana basketball circles. Deden's mother Dawn (Silliker) Deden played for Montana from 1984-88. At UM, she was a 1,000-point scorer and was an all-Mountain West pick. In addition, Lexi's aunt and head coach at Sentinel High School, Karen Deden, was a standout at Washington and is in the Husky Hall of Fame.
SKYE'S THE LIMIT: Skye Lindsay, who sat out last season after transferring from Pepperdine, has seen action in four games this season and is averaging 6.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. The Orem, Utah product posted a season-best 11 points in MSU's win at Portland. In MSU's game against South Dakota State, Lindsay recorded eight points and five rebounds.
DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS: Leia Beattie, a product of Midland, Texas, posted a season-best 12 points against South Dakota State on Dec. 21. On the season, she is averaging 16.2 minutes per game and has recorded eight steals, which is fourth best on the team. Beattie also has a familiar Montana basketball pedigree. Her mother, Kelly (Pilcher) Beattie was a two-time All-Big Sky selection for the Lady Griz and is sixth all-time in assists. In addition, her 15 assists vs. Boise State and No. Arizona still rank first in single-game history. Beattie's aunt/coach at Midland Christian, Carla (Beattie) Cunneen, is a former Lady Griz who was the 1996 Big Sky Sixth Player of the Year.
ASHLEY'S ACCOLADES: Junior Ashley Van Sickle recorded a season-high five points at Portland State on Saturday. For the game, she also connected on one triple and pulled down three rebounds.
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