Thursday, January 27
Cheney, WA
7 p.m. (MT)
Montana State University
at
Eastern Washington
Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services
Cats Travel to Eastern Washington
1/25/2022 4:49:00 PM | Women's Basketball
After a four-game seven-day homestand, Montana State will take to the Big Sky Conference road for one game this week. The Bobcats face Eastern Washington on Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. (MT) at Reese Court.
Jan. 25, 2022 – BOZEMAN, Mont. –
WHO: Montana State at Eastern Washington
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. (MT)
WHERE: Cheney, Wash. - Reese Court
RECORDS: Montana State 11-8, 6-2; E. Wash. 4-14, 2-7
SERIES: Montana State leads all-time series 49-43 (1976)
LAST MTG: Feb. 13, 2021 - Montana State 76, @ EWU 64
RADIO: Monday night's game at E. Washington can be heard on 103.5 KZMY FM 15-minutes prior to tip - Tom Schulz pbp
VIDEO: MSU's game at E. Washington on Thursday night will be streamed live on ESPN+ (subscription needed).
NEXT UP: After a four-game seven-day homestand, Montana State will take to the Big Sky Conference road for one game this week. The Bobcats face Eastern Washington on Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. (MT) at Reese Court. MSU was also scheduled to play at Idaho on Saturday afternoon in Moscow, however that contest was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols within the Vandals' program. The game is tentatively rescheduled for Feb. 7.
BOBCATS BITES: Montana State won its fourth consecutive Big Sky Conference game at home with a 73-59 victory over Montana on Monday night...Bobcat junior point-guard Darian White's floater from the elbow as time expired in the third quarter against Northern Arizona on Thursday night saw the Boise, Idaho product become the 26th member of MSU's 1,000-point club...after a 16-game hiatus due to COVID protocols in numerous programs, the Bobcats returned to action with a 79-69 victory over Idaho on Jan. 17.
CATS/EAGLES: Montana State has won five consecutive games over Eastern Washington, including a pair of contests last winter in Cheney...The Bobcats have taken nine of the last 10 meetings between the long-time Big Sky Conference members...during that span, three games have gone into overtime...MSU captured an 89-85 double overtime victory over the Eagles during its historic 2019-20 campaign...The last time the Bobcats lost in Cheney (81-69) was Jan. 21, 2016...In its two victories over the Eagles last winter, MSU was led by Darian White, who averaged 13 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON: The Eagles enter Thursday night's contest 4-14 overall and 2-7 in Big Sky Conference play. EWU's two leagues wins came over Weber State and Portland State in Cheney. On Monday night, the Eagles dropped a 69-54 decision to Northern Arizona in Cheney. Jacinta Buckley guided EWU with 17 points and six rebounds, while Alexis Pettis added 10 points. Following its came with MSU, the Eagles will host Montana on Saturday afternoon. Eastern Washington is under the direction of first-year head coach Joddie Gleason. Previously, Gleason served five years as associate head coach at Seattle U. On the season, EWU has been paced by Jaydia Martin and Buckley. Martin is averaging 14.7 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Buckley chips in 11.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per contest. Martin is also EWU's top outside threat hitting 2.33 triples per contest.
I DARE YA: Darian White, a preseason All-Big Sky Conference selection, leads the Bobcats in scoring (15.9 ppg), assists (80), steals (45) and free throws made (77). She has been in double figure scoring in 18 games, including a career-high 29 points at Weber State on Dec. 30. Against the Wildcats, the Boise, Idaho product connected on 11 of 22 from the field (with two 3-pointers) and five of five from the line. In addition, she pulled down six rebounds, five steals and three assists. At North Dakota on Nov. 20, White recorded a career-high seven steals. The reigning Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year pulled down a career-high 12 rebounds against Montana State Billings on Dec. 9. White's broken into several career MSU Top 10 statistical categories this season: including steals, 9th, 186; free throws made, 7th, 287; and free throw percentage, 7th, 78.4%. White is currently averaging 2.5 steals per game, which is second in the Big Sky, while her 4.4 assists per outing ranks fifth in the league. Against NAU on Jan. 20, she became the 26th Bobcat to record 1,000 points. Her current total of 1,031 points ranks 22nd all-time in MSU history.
KUDOS TO KOLA: Junior Kola Bad Bear has played in all 19 games, including 17 starts. On the season, the 6-2 forward is averaging 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest. Her 5.2 rebounds leads the teams and ranks No. 23 in Big Sky action. Bad Bear had a breakout weekend for the Bobcats at the Holiday Beach Classic in San Luis Obispo over Thanksgiving averaging 13.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, while shooting 61.1% from the field. Bad Bear was named Big Sky Player of the Week for her efforts against MSU Billings and Utah Valley. For the two games, she averaged 19 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 61.9% from the field and 84.6% from the line. Bad Bear pulled down a career-best 17 rebounds in MSU's win over MSU Billings. Her 13 offensive boards against the Yellowjackets are unofficially the highest total in NCAA Division 1 hoops this season. Bad Bear also notched a career-best 21 points in MSU's win over MSUB. In Big Sky Conference play this season, Bad Bear is averaging 11.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. During MSU's recent four-game seven-day homestand, she averaged 11.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per outing, while shooting 47.3%.
OUT ON A LIMB: Sophomore Katelynn Limardo has started the last 18 games for the Bobcats, after opening the season with 16 points and seven rebounds against Carroll College coming off the bench. The 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 8.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per outing. In addition, Limardo is shooting 40% from the field and 85.2% (23-27) from the line. Against Seattle U on Dec. 18, Limardo recorded her seventh double figure scoring game of the season with 12 points - all coming from beyond the arc. Additionally, she posted a career-high five assists against the Redhawks. Against Northern Arizona on Jan. 20, she registered 15 points on 3 of 9 shooting, three triples and 6 of 6 at the line. Limardo also pulled down a season-best nine rebounds in MSU's win over Idaho. Over Thanksgiving, her three 3-pointers in the 4th quarter at Cal Poly lifted MSU to the win. Last winter, she started all 24 games and averaged 6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds. Limardo had her best game of the 2020-21 season at Eastern Washington on Feb. 13, scoring a team-high 17 points. Against EWU, she went 5 of 5 from long distance.
DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS: Leia Beattie has played in all 19 games for the Bobcats, including 17 starts. She currently is averaging 8.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest. Beattie had a career outing in MSU's win over Sacramento State on Dec. 4 scoring 18 points, while pulling down eight rebounds. Coupled with her play against Northern Colorado to open Big Sky, she garnered ROAR Organic #BigSkyWBB Player of the Week accolades after averaging 14.5 points. 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Beattie comes to Montana State with a familiar Treasure State pedigree. Her mother, Kelly (Pilcher) was a two-time All-Big Sky selection at Montana and is sixth all-time in assists. In addition, her 15 assists versus Boise State and Northern Arizona still rank first in single-game history. Beattie's aunt/coach at Midland Christian Academy, Carla (Beattie) Cunneen, is also a former Lady Griz and was the 1996 Big Sky Sixth Player of the Year. Last season, Beattie played in 23 games and averaged 3.7 points per game. Against Montana on Monday, she posted nine points, connecting on 3 of 7 from the field with one triple and tallied four rebounds and a career-high four steals.
THE TALK: Senior Gabby Mocchi has played in 16 games, including starts in the last nine outings. The 6-1 senior from Champlin, Minn., recorded a season-high 15 points and pulled down six rebounds in MSU's loss at Weber State on Dec. 30. Mocchi is averaging 5.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Against the Wildcats, Mocchi went 4 of 4 from the free throw line and connected on three 3-pointers. In Big Sky play, the 6-1 senior from Champlin, Minn., has averaged 7.6 points per game. Against #19 BYU on Dec. 21, she totaled seven points and two rebounds. On the season, she is shooting 84.6% (22-26) at the stripe. Mocchi recorded a career-best 18 points at Portland State last winter.
KEEP FEEDIN' DEDEN: Lexi Deden, a 6-1 sophomore forward from Missoula, is fourth on the Bobcats in rebounding averaging 3.7 boards per game. In addition, she is fifth on the squad averaging 5.5 points per contest. Deden had her best outing of the season at North Dakota on Nov. 20. Against the Fighting Hawks, she recorded her first collegiate double-double with 17 points and a career-best ten rebounds. For the game, she went four-of-nine from the field and was nine-of-ten at the charity stripe. On Monday against Montana, Deden played 16 minutes, scoring five points and pulling down five rebounds. The Deden name is also familiar in Montana basketball circles. Deden's mother Dawn (Silliker) played at Montana from 1984-88. At UM, Silliker was a 1,000-point scorer and was an all-Mountain West pick. In addition, Lexi's aunt and former head coach at Sentinel High, Karen Deden, was a standout at Washington and is in the Husky Hall of Fame. Last season, Deden recorded a career-high 22 points in Montana State's win over Northern Arizona on Jan. 23 when she connected on 10 of 14 from the field.
ASHLEY'S ACCOLADES: Senior Ashley Van Sickle has played in all 19 games this season and is averaging 3.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. The Arvada, Colo., product helped the Bobcats defeat Montana for the seventh consecutive game on Monday night playing 20 minutes and posting seven points. Her point total was her highest since notching eight against Carroll College in the season-opener. Against UM, Van Sickle went three-of-three from the field and was one-of-one from long distance. She also dished out three assists, pulled down two rebounds and had one blocked shot. Against Portland State last Saturday, Van Sickle grabbed a career-best seven rebounds. For the season, she is shooting 91.7% (11-12) from the free throw line and has a 1.8 Assist/TO ratio.
THE PRIDE OF ROSEMOUNT: Sophomore Taylor Janssen has played in all 19 games and is averaging 5.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per outing. In Montana State's win over Montana on Monday night, Janssen matched a career-high and led the Bobcats with a team-high 14 points. For the night, the 6-3 product of Rosemount, Minn., connected on five of six from the field and was four-of-four from long distance. Janssen also pulled down six rebounds and had an assist.
RANSON NOTE: Sophomore Ava Ranson has played in 15 games and is averaging 1.9 points per contest. The 5-10 product of Boise, Idaho had her best game at South Dakota State. Against the Jackrabbits, Ranson recorded eight points on three-on-nine from the field, including a pair of three-pointers. Ranson notched 5 points vs. Portland State.
ALL JACKED UP: Madison Jackson has played in nine games. She returned to the lineup following a 10-game hiatus with an injury on Jan. 17. Jackson had her best outing of the season against Northern Arizona on Jan. 20 recording 10 points and three rebounds. Jackson went 4 of 4 from the field and 2 of 2 from long distance. Last season, the native of Parma, Idaho had her best game as MSU defeated Idaho State. Against the Bengals, Jackson notched a career-high 20 points, including 13 in the first half.
MENTIONING MIA: Freshman Mia Hughes has played in 12 games, including three starts. The product of Woodinville, Wash., is averaging 2.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per contest. She had her best outing of the season at North Dakota with seven points and six rebounds- all points came at the free throw line where she went seven-of-eight. Hughes is currently hitting at a 94.1% (16-17) clip from the line.
RARE AIR: Freshman Lindsey Hein is the tallest (6-6) player to ever wear the Blue and Gold. The Forsyth, Mont., native has played in all seven games, including two starts. In the season-opener against Carroll College, she came off the bench to score a game-high 16 points, while pulling down seven rebounds. Hein is first on the team shooting 57.1% from the field. She is averaging 4.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.
WHO: Montana State at Eastern Washington
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. (MT)
WHERE: Cheney, Wash. - Reese Court
RECORDS: Montana State 11-8, 6-2; E. Wash. 4-14, 2-7
SERIES: Montana State leads all-time series 49-43 (1976)
LAST MTG: Feb. 13, 2021 - Montana State 76, @ EWU 64
RADIO: Monday night's game at E. Washington can be heard on 103.5 KZMY FM 15-minutes prior to tip - Tom Schulz pbp
VIDEO: MSU's game at E. Washington on Thursday night will be streamed live on ESPN+ (subscription needed).
NEXT UP: After a four-game seven-day homestand, Montana State will take to the Big Sky Conference road for one game this week. The Bobcats face Eastern Washington on Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. (MT) at Reese Court. MSU was also scheduled to play at Idaho on Saturday afternoon in Moscow, however that contest was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols within the Vandals' program. The game is tentatively rescheduled for Feb. 7.
BOBCATS BITES: Montana State won its fourth consecutive Big Sky Conference game at home with a 73-59 victory over Montana on Monday night...Bobcat junior point-guard Darian White's floater from the elbow as time expired in the third quarter against Northern Arizona on Thursday night saw the Boise, Idaho product become the 26th member of MSU's 1,000-point club...after a 16-game hiatus due to COVID protocols in numerous programs, the Bobcats returned to action with a 79-69 victory over Idaho on Jan. 17.
CATS/EAGLES: Montana State has won five consecutive games over Eastern Washington, including a pair of contests last winter in Cheney...The Bobcats have taken nine of the last 10 meetings between the long-time Big Sky Conference members...during that span, three games have gone into overtime...MSU captured an 89-85 double overtime victory over the Eagles during its historic 2019-20 campaign...The last time the Bobcats lost in Cheney (81-69) was Jan. 21, 2016...In its two victories over the Eagles last winter, MSU was led by Darian White, who averaged 13 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON: The Eagles enter Thursday night's contest 4-14 overall and 2-7 in Big Sky Conference play. EWU's two leagues wins came over Weber State and Portland State in Cheney. On Monday night, the Eagles dropped a 69-54 decision to Northern Arizona in Cheney. Jacinta Buckley guided EWU with 17 points and six rebounds, while Alexis Pettis added 10 points. Following its came with MSU, the Eagles will host Montana on Saturday afternoon. Eastern Washington is under the direction of first-year head coach Joddie Gleason. Previously, Gleason served five years as associate head coach at Seattle U. On the season, EWU has been paced by Jaydia Martin and Buckley. Martin is averaging 14.7 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Buckley chips in 11.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per contest. Martin is also EWU's top outside threat hitting 2.33 triples per contest.
I DARE YA: Darian White, a preseason All-Big Sky Conference selection, leads the Bobcats in scoring (15.9 ppg), assists (80), steals (45) and free throws made (77). She has been in double figure scoring in 18 games, including a career-high 29 points at Weber State on Dec. 30. Against the Wildcats, the Boise, Idaho product connected on 11 of 22 from the field (with two 3-pointers) and five of five from the line. In addition, she pulled down six rebounds, five steals and three assists. At North Dakota on Nov. 20, White recorded a career-high seven steals. The reigning Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year pulled down a career-high 12 rebounds against Montana State Billings on Dec. 9. White's broken into several career MSU Top 10 statistical categories this season: including steals, 9th, 186; free throws made, 7th, 287; and free throw percentage, 7th, 78.4%. White is currently averaging 2.5 steals per game, which is second in the Big Sky, while her 4.4 assists per outing ranks fifth in the league. Against NAU on Jan. 20, she became the 26th Bobcat to record 1,000 points. Her current total of 1,031 points ranks 22nd all-time in MSU history.
KUDOS TO KOLA: Junior Kola Bad Bear has played in all 19 games, including 17 starts. On the season, the 6-2 forward is averaging 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest. Her 5.2 rebounds leads the teams and ranks No. 23 in Big Sky action. Bad Bear had a breakout weekend for the Bobcats at the Holiday Beach Classic in San Luis Obispo over Thanksgiving averaging 13.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, while shooting 61.1% from the field. Bad Bear was named Big Sky Player of the Week for her efforts against MSU Billings and Utah Valley. For the two games, she averaged 19 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 61.9% from the field and 84.6% from the line. Bad Bear pulled down a career-best 17 rebounds in MSU's win over MSU Billings. Her 13 offensive boards against the Yellowjackets are unofficially the highest total in NCAA Division 1 hoops this season. Bad Bear also notched a career-best 21 points in MSU's win over MSUB. In Big Sky Conference play this season, Bad Bear is averaging 11.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. During MSU's recent four-game seven-day homestand, she averaged 11.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per outing, while shooting 47.3%.
OUT ON A LIMB: Sophomore Katelynn Limardo has started the last 18 games for the Bobcats, after opening the season with 16 points and seven rebounds against Carroll College coming off the bench. The 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 8.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per outing. In addition, Limardo is shooting 40% from the field and 85.2% (23-27) from the line. Against Seattle U on Dec. 18, Limardo recorded her seventh double figure scoring game of the season with 12 points - all coming from beyond the arc. Additionally, she posted a career-high five assists against the Redhawks. Against Northern Arizona on Jan. 20, she registered 15 points on 3 of 9 shooting, three triples and 6 of 6 at the line. Limardo also pulled down a season-best nine rebounds in MSU's win over Idaho. Over Thanksgiving, her three 3-pointers in the 4th quarter at Cal Poly lifted MSU to the win. Last winter, she started all 24 games and averaged 6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds. Limardo had her best game of the 2020-21 season at Eastern Washington on Feb. 13, scoring a team-high 17 points. Against EWU, she went 5 of 5 from long distance.
DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS: Leia Beattie has played in all 19 games for the Bobcats, including 17 starts. She currently is averaging 8.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest. Beattie had a career outing in MSU's win over Sacramento State on Dec. 4 scoring 18 points, while pulling down eight rebounds. Coupled with her play against Northern Colorado to open Big Sky, she garnered ROAR Organic #BigSkyWBB Player of the Week accolades after averaging 14.5 points. 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Beattie comes to Montana State with a familiar Treasure State pedigree. Her mother, Kelly (Pilcher) was a two-time All-Big Sky selection at Montana and is sixth all-time in assists. In addition, her 15 assists versus Boise State and Northern Arizona still rank first in single-game history. Beattie's aunt/coach at Midland Christian Academy, Carla (Beattie) Cunneen, is also a former Lady Griz and was the 1996 Big Sky Sixth Player of the Year. Last season, Beattie played in 23 games and averaged 3.7 points per game. Against Montana on Monday, she posted nine points, connecting on 3 of 7 from the field with one triple and tallied four rebounds and a career-high four steals.
THE TALK: Senior Gabby Mocchi has played in 16 games, including starts in the last nine outings. The 6-1 senior from Champlin, Minn., recorded a season-high 15 points and pulled down six rebounds in MSU's loss at Weber State on Dec. 30. Mocchi is averaging 5.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Against the Wildcats, Mocchi went 4 of 4 from the free throw line and connected on three 3-pointers. In Big Sky play, the 6-1 senior from Champlin, Minn., has averaged 7.6 points per game. Against #19 BYU on Dec. 21, she totaled seven points and two rebounds. On the season, she is shooting 84.6% (22-26) at the stripe. Mocchi recorded a career-best 18 points at Portland State last winter.
KEEP FEEDIN' DEDEN: Lexi Deden, a 6-1 sophomore forward from Missoula, is fourth on the Bobcats in rebounding averaging 3.7 boards per game. In addition, she is fifth on the squad averaging 5.5 points per contest. Deden had her best outing of the season at North Dakota on Nov. 20. Against the Fighting Hawks, she recorded her first collegiate double-double with 17 points and a career-best ten rebounds. For the game, she went four-of-nine from the field and was nine-of-ten at the charity stripe. On Monday against Montana, Deden played 16 minutes, scoring five points and pulling down five rebounds. The Deden name is also familiar in Montana basketball circles. Deden's mother Dawn (Silliker) played at Montana from 1984-88. At UM, Silliker was a 1,000-point scorer and was an all-Mountain West pick. In addition, Lexi's aunt and former head coach at Sentinel High, Karen Deden, was a standout at Washington and is in the Husky Hall of Fame. Last season, Deden recorded a career-high 22 points in Montana State's win over Northern Arizona on Jan. 23 when she connected on 10 of 14 from the field.
ASHLEY'S ACCOLADES: Senior Ashley Van Sickle has played in all 19 games this season and is averaging 3.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. The Arvada, Colo., product helped the Bobcats defeat Montana for the seventh consecutive game on Monday night playing 20 minutes and posting seven points. Her point total was her highest since notching eight against Carroll College in the season-opener. Against UM, Van Sickle went three-of-three from the field and was one-of-one from long distance. She also dished out three assists, pulled down two rebounds and had one blocked shot. Against Portland State last Saturday, Van Sickle grabbed a career-best seven rebounds. For the season, she is shooting 91.7% (11-12) from the free throw line and has a 1.8 Assist/TO ratio.
THE PRIDE OF ROSEMOUNT: Sophomore Taylor Janssen has played in all 19 games and is averaging 5.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per outing. In Montana State's win over Montana on Monday night, Janssen matched a career-high and led the Bobcats with a team-high 14 points. For the night, the 6-3 product of Rosemount, Minn., connected on five of six from the field and was four-of-four from long distance. Janssen also pulled down six rebounds and had an assist.
RANSON NOTE: Sophomore Ava Ranson has played in 15 games and is averaging 1.9 points per contest. The 5-10 product of Boise, Idaho had her best game at South Dakota State. Against the Jackrabbits, Ranson recorded eight points on three-on-nine from the field, including a pair of three-pointers. Ranson notched 5 points vs. Portland State.
ALL JACKED UP: Madison Jackson has played in nine games. She returned to the lineup following a 10-game hiatus with an injury on Jan. 17. Jackson had her best outing of the season against Northern Arizona on Jan. 20 recording 10 points and three rebounds. Jackson went 4 of 4 from the field and 2 of 2 from long distance. Last season, the native of Parma, Idaho had her best game as MSU defeated Idaho State. Against the Bengals, Jackson notched a career-high 20 points, including 13 in the first half.
MENTIONING MIA: Freshman Mia Hughes has played in 12 games, including three starts. The product of Woodinville, Wash., is averaging 2.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per contest. She had her best outing of the season at North Dakota with seven points and six rebounds- all points came at the free throw line where she went seven-of-eight. Hughes is currently hitting at a 94.1% (16-17) clip from the line.
RARE AIR: Freshman Lindsey Hein is the tallest (6-6) player to ever wear the Blue and Gold. The Forsyth, Mont., native has played in all seven games, including two starts. In the season-opener against Carroll College, she came off the bench to score a game-high 16 points, while pulling down seven rebounds. Hein is first on the team shooting 57.1% from the field. She is averaging 4.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
F
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
C
/ Women's Basketball
F
/ Women's Basketball
F/C
/ Women's Basketball
F
/ Women's Basketball
F
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's BasketballBobcat Insider TV Show
Wednesday, January 26
vs. Seattle (Live Stream Video)
Saturday, December 18
Inside The Brick (Lexi Deden)
Thursday, November 04
Inside The Brick (Leia Beattie)
Tuesday, November 02
