Resilient Bobcats Down Lady Griz

Monday, January 24

BOZEMAN

7 p.m.

Montana State University

11-8,6-2Big Sky

Montana

12-5,5-3Big Sky

Montana

Montana St.

Darian White drops in two of her 13 points over the out-stretched reach of Montana's Sophia Stiles.

Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services

1/24/2022 10:51:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Tom Schulz

Playing its fourth game in a week, Montana State used its depth receiving a team-high and career-best 14 points from reserve Taylor Janssen en route to a 73-59 win over Montana, registering its seventh straight victory over its intrastate rival on Monday night in Worthington Arena.

Montana State (11-8, 6-2) held a 21-15 lead after the opening 10-minutes as Leia Beattie got the Bobcats on track with seven points. MSU pushed the lead to eight points in the second stanza on a free throw by Lexi Deden, before Montana (12-5, 5-3) cut the margin in half trailing 34-30 at intermission.

"We were all really super excited to play this game," said Taylor Janssen. "We all brought the energy right away. We all know how big this game is for everyone, and because the game got pushed back (from its originally scheduled date), I think it built up the anticipation even more and we were ready to go."

The Bobcats came out of halftime on fire, connecting on 8 of 17 from the field, including a four of five effort from long distance to put some breathing between them and the Lady Griz. MSU's defense held UM to just 23.1% in the third frame as the Bobcats expanded its lead to 56-43 heading into the fourth quarter.

"I thought we shot the ball very well," said Ellen Kreighbaum Women's Head Coach Tricia Binford. "Our third quarter defense really stepped up - took it up a notch - and we made some really good adjustments at halftime. I'm just really proud of this team."

Janssen did most of her damage in the third period connecting on three 3-pointers. The Bobcats bench also gave the starters a chance to catch their breath as it outscored Montana's reserves 14-1 in the stanza.

"You can put one through 13 kids in and they're going to bring the exact same energy whether they're starting or not," said Bobcat junior point guard Darian White referring to MSU's depth. "We have a very consistent team, and all hold each other accountable, and it shows during games."

The Bobcats took its largest lead 69-48 with three minutes, six-seconds left on a pair of free throws by White to cruise to its fourth consecutive win.

Also notching double figures for MSU were White 13 and Gabby Mocchi 12. The Bobcats shot 39% from the field, including 43.8% in the second half. Montana State also went 9 of 17 from three-point range and 16 of 20 at the line.

Montana finished shooting 38.5% from the floor, 23.1% (3-13) from long distance and were 16 of 28 at the line.

Under the glass, the Bobcats held a slim 40-38 advantage and were led by Kola Bad Bear and Janssen with six boards, apiece.

"We're resilient, we are hungry to say the least and we've taken some really big steps these last couple of games," White said. "It's really exciting to push each other to get better."

Montana was led in the loss by Sammy Fatkin with 24 points.

MSU plays at Eastern Washington on Thursday at 7 p.m. (MT) in Cheney. The Bobcats scheduled game at Idaho on Saturday was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols within the Vandal program. The game will be made up at a later date.