Bobcat Defense Stifles Argos

Monday, November 7

BOZEMAN

11 a.m.

Montana State University

1-0,0-0Big Sky

Providence (Mont.)

0-1

Providence (MT)

Montana St.

Senior Darian White hits a short jumper en route to a 12-point performance over Providence on Monday afternoon.

Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services

11/7/2022 2:24:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Tom Schulz

The Montana State defense held Providence to single digit scoring in three of four quarters and limited the Argos to just 22.9% shooting en route to a 78-31 win on Monday afternoon in front of 5,207 fans for MSU's annual School Day game.

"Our defensive identity is all about ball pressure," said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. "Providence came in with some length and size and they got away from us on a few occasions, but overall, I was pleased with our defense, our ability to force turnovers and the way we managed the offensive glass."

Montana State (1-0) jumped out to a 16-6 lead after the opening 10-minutes and built a 31-10 advantage at intermission. The Bobcats outscored Providence 25-8 in the third quarter and by nine in the final frame shooting 62.5% (20-32) in the second half.

"We struggled from the perimeter but were able to get a lot of points in transition," Binford said. "I was happy we got contributions from the entire roster and were able to keep fresh legs on the floor."

The Bobcats went 5-of-25 from long distance but posted 21 fastbreak points along with 50 points from its bench. MSU also scored 31 points off 28 Providence turnovers.

MSU was led by its three point guards as Grace Beasley finished with a game-high 17 points, while Darian White 12 and Dylan Philip 10 also hit double-digits. The threesome combined to shoot 71.4% (15-21) from the floor, while adding nine assists, eight rebounds and seven steals.

All 14 players on MSU's roster scored and saw at least seven minutes of action. The Bobcats finished the contest shooting 50% from the field. MSU also recorded 15 assists and 17 steals.

Montana State was led under the glass by Taylor Janssen with a game-high seven rebounds, while Lexi Deden added six.

Brooklyn Harn and Delaney Pink led the Argos with nine points, apiece.

Montana State plays at BYU on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Provo, Utah. The Cougars received 19 points in the USA Today/WBCA NCAA Division I Preseason Top 25 Coaches Poll.