Idaho Downs Cats Behind Strong Third Quarter Performance

Wednesday, March 10

Boise, ID (Idaho Central Arena)

9 p.m.

Montana State University

Idaho

Darian White had a team-high 15 points, while adding six rebounds and four assists in semifinal action against Idaho on Wednesday night.

Photo by: Jack Murrey

Idaho Downs Cats Behind Strong Third Quarter Performance

3/11/2021 12:29:00 AM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

“But despite all the adversity we faced, this was a great group of kids that had a lot of fun doing what they love,” Binford added. “It’s why we coach.”

By: Tom Schulz

BOISE, Idaho – After a strong first half the Montana State women's basketball team held a six-point advantage and the momentum heading into intermission. But it was the first two-minutes, 42-seconds of the third quarter that decided the contest as Idaho handed the Bobcats an 80-64 setback in semifinal action at the Big Sky Conference Tournament on Wednesday night in Idaho Central Arena.

Tied at 29-all at the 2:06 mark of the second quarter, Montana State (17-7) received back-to-back three-pointers from Tori Martell and Katelynn Limardo's offensive put-back as the half expired gave the Bobcats a 38-32 cushion at intermission.

"We had good flow in the first half and were taking good shots," said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. "Both Darian (White) and Tori got us going offensively. It was great to have the momentum heading into halftime."

Idaho (17-6) grabbed the momentum coming out of the locker room and exploded with an 11-0 run taking a 43-38 lead at the 7:18 mark of the third stanza. The Vandals went on to outscore the Bobcats 27-9 in the third period holding a 59-47 lead heading into the final frame.

"Idaho came out on a mission to start the third quarter and we didn't respond," Binford said. "We had numerous breakdowns, and when you do that against a good team, they're going to expose you. I thought we were also trying to make the big plays, rather than solid plays."

A Martell 3-pointer with 5-minutes, 9-seconds remaining pulled the Bobcats to within 65-58, but the Vandals put 15 more points on the board down the stretch to advance to the Big Sky championship game against Idaho State on Friday afternoon.

White paced the Bobcats with 15 points, while adding six rebounds and four assists. Martell ended her career with 14 points, including three triples. The Somerset, Wis., product finished her tenure with the Bobcats third on the all-time career three-point chart with 211 makes. Her 69 triples this year is sixth best in a single-season at MSU.

For the game, MSU shot 35% from the field, while the Vandals hit 50%. UI also held a 42-32 advantage in rebounding. Freshman Lexi Deden guided the Cats under the glass with a team-best seven rebounds.

"I'm proud of this team and all they accomplished," Binford said. "It just wasn't our night.

"But despite all the adversity we faced, this was a great group of kids that had a lot of fun doing what they love," Binford added. "It's why we coach."