Saint Mary’s Holds Off Late Bobcat Run

Friday, December 8

Moraga, CA

7:30 p.m. (MT)

Montana State University

3-6,0-0Big Sky

Saint Mary's

4-5,0-0WCC

Montana St.

Saint Mary's (CA)

Issy Bunyan

Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services

12/8/2023 11:32:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Saint Mary’s held an 18-point fourth quarter lead and held off an 18-6 Montana State run over the final eight minutes to post a 59-53 victory over the Bobcats on Friday night in the UCU Pavilion.

By: Tom Schulz

Saint Mary's held an 18-point fourth quarter lead and held off an 18-6 Montana State run over the final eight minutes to post a 59-53 victory over the Bobcats on Friday night in the UCU Pavilion.

Saint Mary's (4-5) held its largest lead of the contest at 53-35 following a three-pointer by Makena Mastora with 8 minutes, 35 seconds left. Montana State (3-6) rattled off seven unanswered points to whittle the deficit to 11 points following a pair of Brooke Berry free throws at the 4:26 mark. However, the Gaels maintained its double-digit lead until Bobcat freshman Issy Bunyan scored four points in the waning moments, including a three-pointer at the buzzer to get the Cats within six points.

"From the start we weren't sharp with the ball," said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. "We were making some interesting passing decisions. Credit Saint Mary's, they changed up their defense and it gave us fits all night."

Saint Mary's scored the first basket five-seconds into the game and never looked back. The Gaels held a 30-19 lead at intermission. MSU shot 30.8% from the field in the opening twenty minutes, including a one-of-eight outing from long distance. The Bobcats also recorded 13 turnovers in the half.

"This was the first game this season that I felt we didn't compete like we're capable of," Binford said. "We were all over the place on defense and in the end, we didn't have any legs left.

"We need to get back to The Brick and in front of our fans," she added. "I still believe in this team, and we need to regroup, get some rest, get healthy, focus on finals, and then turn our attention to Wyoming."

Bunyan paced the Bobcats with 14 points, including a three-of-five performance from beyond the arc. Also in double-figures were Katelynn Limardo 11 and Marah Dykstra 10. Berry came off the bench for her best showing of the season, recording nine points. Taylor Janssen led MSU under the boards with seven rebounds.

MSU finished the game shooting 32.7% from the field, five-of-19 from three-point range and 14-of-16 from the free throw line. The Bobcats also held a 35-26 advantage under the glass.

Montana State hosts Wyoming on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 12 p.m. in Worthington Arena.