Friday, December 22
Provo, UT
2 p.m.
Montana State University
at
BYU
Photo by: Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez
Bobcat Women Close Out Non-Conference Schedule At BYU On Friday Afternoon
12/19/2017 4:24:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Montana State women’s basketball team will play its final non-conference game when it faces Brigham Young on Friday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. in Provo, Utah (Marriott Center).
MSU WBB NOTES l BYU WBB NOTES l LIVE VIDEO l LIVE STATS
MONTANA STATE (6-4) at BYU (4-6)
Date: Friday, Dec. 22, 2017
Tipoff: 2 p.m. (MST)
Site: Marriott Center (18,987) * Provo, UT
Radio: 1450 KMMS-AM; Play-by-Play with Jason Alvine
Live Video: BYUtv
Live Stats: byucougars.com
Live Audio: msubobcats.com/watch
Live TV: byutv.org
NEXT UP: The Montana State women's basketball team will play its final non-conference game when it faces Brigham Young on Friday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. in Provo, Utah (Marriott Center). The Bobcats will open Big Sky Conference action on Thursday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. when it hosts Southern Utah in Worthington Arena.
ON A SERIES NOTE: Friday's game is the 16th meeting between Montana State and BYU. The Cougars hold a 10-5 advantage in the all-time series dating back to its first meeting during the 1978-79 season. The Bobcats trail 6-2 all-time in Provo, but won the last contest in the Marriott Center on Dec. 30, 2010 with a 58-49 decision over BYU as Sarah Balian registered 16 points and 13 rebounds for MSU. The win snapped a five-game losing streak to the Cougars.
THE NITTY GRITTY: According to the Dec. 10, 2017 NCAA Nitty-Gritty rankings, the Bobcats are currently ranked No. 124 in the country. The highest Big Sky Conference listing belongs to Northern Colorado at No. 65, followed by No. 72 North Dakota and No. 75 Idaho State. Ranked behind Montana State is No. 139 Sacramento State, No. 171 Weber State, No. 187 Portland State, No. 192 Idaho, No. 293 Eastern Washington, No. 303 Montana, No. 316 Northern Arizona and No. 328 Southern Utah. The Bobcats finished the 2016-17 season ranked No. 59 in the NCAA's final Nitty Gritty listings. It was the highest a MSU team has ever been ranked. The next closest Big Sky team was Northern Colorado at No. 128. Friday's opponent BYU is currently ranked No. 226.
MONTANA STATE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Sophomore Oliana Squires is the reigning Montana State Player of the Week. Squires averaged 17 points and 4.0 three-point makes on the week as Montana State dropped an 81-75 decision at Hawaii on Dec. 4, before returning to the friendly confines of Worthington Arena to notch a 59-54 win over Stephen F. Austin in overtime on Dec. 9. In MSU's win over the Ladyjacks, Squires posted a career-high 20 points, which included a six-of-ten effort from long distance. The six 3-pointers were also a career-best. She also added two rebounds, two assists and three steals in the win. Against Hawaii, as the Bobcats wrapped-up a stretch of four games in six days, including three games in the Aloha State, Squires tallied 14 points versus the Rainbow Wahines, while also registering two steals. On the week, she shot 41.7 percent (10-24) from her shooting guard position and connected on eight-of-16 (50 percent) from beyond the 3-point arc.
BYU AT A GLANCE: BYU is currently 4-6 overall after dropping a 70-45 decision to Cal on Saturday. The Cougars are under the direction of Jeff Judkins who is in his 17th season at BYU. Brigham Young has faced three Big Sky opponents already this season, defeating Southern Utah 75-67 in overtime and Eastern Washington 73-69 in Cheney. Northern Colorado handed BYU a 79-74 overtime setback on Nov. 30.
DISHING THE ROCK: Senior Hannah Caudill matched a career-high 24 points to lift MSU to a victory at Long Beach State on Nov. 12. The product of Spokane, Wash., connected on 6-11 from the field and 6-9 from beyond the 3-point arc. On MSU's recent Hawaii trip, Caudill averaged 13.7 points per game. She was in double-digit scoring on two occasions with 19 points at Hawaii and 16 points in MSU's win over Utah State at the Maui Jim Classic. Caudill guided MSU to a win over Wyoming on Nov. 29 with a 19-point effort, which included a four-of-five showing from beyond the arc. In addition, she pulled down three rebounds, dished out three assists and went three-of-four from the line to secure the Bobcat victory. Caudill dished out a season best seven assists at Omaha on Nov. 17. She is currently 12th in the Big Sky averaging 3.2 assists per game and her 3.0 three-point makes per contest are fifth best in the league. Caudill is shooting 45.5 percent from long distance, which is the fourth best mark in the Big Sky. Caudill's 384 career assists is sixth most in Montana State history. She currently has her sights set on establishing the all-time mark of 443 set by Vicki Heebner-Carle from 1980-84. As a sophomore, Caudill led the Big Sky averaging 5.4 assists per contest. She dished out 166 assists, which was second most ever recorded in a single-season at MSU. In addition, Caudill moved into second all-time in three-point field-goals made at 180 triples and is first all-time in career three-point field-goal percentage hitting at a 39.3 clip. As a junior, Caudill averaged 4.4 assists per game, which ranked fourth in the Big Sky. Her current +1.3 assist-turnover ratio is ninth in the Big Sky Conference.
JUNK MAIL: Delany Junkermier, who delivered ten double-figure scoring games last season, including a season-high 19 points in Montana State's win over rival Montana on Feb. 25, has opened the 2017-18 season averaging 5.8 points per game. The Spokane, Wash., native notched a season-high 12 points as Montana State defeated Utah State at the Maui Jim Classic on Dec. 1. For the game, Junkermier connected on five-of-nine from the field. Over the course of three games in Hawaii, Junkermier averaged a team-best 6.0 rebounds per contest. In MSU's overtime win against Stephen F. Austin on Dec. 9, Junkermier pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds. The Mead High graduate is six 3-point makes away from moving into MSU's top 10 all-time. She currently has 104 career three-point makes.
MAD ABOUT YOU: Madeline Smith is off to an impressive start for the Bobcats. The product of Snohomish, Washington is averaging 11.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 55.6 percent from the field, connecting on 50-90 attempts. Against Omaha on Nov. 17, Smith recorded her first-ever double-double with a career-high 18 points to go along with 14 rebounds. Smith pulled down a career-high 19 rebounds against Providence on Nov. 15, which was just two shy of the Bobcat school-record of 21 set by Cass Bauer in 1994. On Nov. 25, Smith registered a career-high 23 points in MSU's win over MSU Billings. For the game, she connected on 11-16 from the field and went one-of-one at the line. She also notched her second straight double-double hauling down 12 rebounds against the Yellowjackets. Smith is third in the Big Sky Conference in rebounds per game, while her 55.6 field-goal percentage tops in the Big Sky. Her 9.3 rebounds per game is the ninth highest total by a sophomore at the NCAA Division I level so far this season.
SECRET BRAXTON FAMILY RECIPE: Blaire Braxton is currently second on the squad averaging 6.2 boards per contest. Last season as a true-freshman, Braxton started all 32 games and averaged 6.8 rebounds per game. The Highlands Ranch, Colo., product has already recorded two games with 10 rebounds or more this season. Last winter, Braxton registered four double-digit rebounding games, including a career-high 14 boards at Sacramento State. Braxton matched a season-high six points in MSU's win over Wyoming on Nov. 29. For the game, she connected on three-of-seven from the field and paced all Bobcats under the glass with nine rebounds. Braxton also swatted a career-high five blocks against the Cowgirls. In addition, she has done a nice job distributing the ball, averaging 2.7 assists per contest. Braxton recorded a career-high five assists in MSU's win over Long Beach State. Her current 1.6 blocks per game is fourth in the Big Sky and ranks 97th overall. Braxton's brother Zach is currently in his third season at Big Sky rival Weber State. The elder Braxton is also a force under the boards, averaging 7.0 rebounds per game.
HOLY MOLY, OLI: Oliana Squires has started all ten games and is averaging 9.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. The Colorado Springs, Colo., product posted a career-high 20 points in Montana State's win in overtime against Stephen F. Austin on Dec. 9. For the game, she connected on a career-high 6 3-pointers. Squires is currently second on the squad with 20 triples. In her last four outings, she has averaged 15 points a game, including a 14-of-33 effort from beyond the arc, hitting at a 42.4 percent clip.
HATCHET JOB: Senior Rebekah Hatchard has averaged 20.8 minutes per game over the last five outings. The native of Adelaide, Australia has averaged 7.2 points per game, while shooting 50 percent from the field over that time span.
THROWING SHAIDE: Redshirt sophomore Madisyn Shaide has played in six games for the Bobcats. The Missoula Big Sky graduate scored her first collegiate points against USC on Nov. 10.
THE FRESHMEN FIVE: All five of Montana State's freshmen class have made an impact this season. Leading the contingent is 6-2 forward Laura Pranger. The product of Centennial, Colo., is averaging 4.4 points per game, but has averaged 10.5 ppg in the last two outings, including a season-best 11 points at Hawaii. For the season, Pranger is shooting 45 percent from the field and is pulling down 3.7 rebounds per contest. She is currently second on the team with 14 blocked shots. Guards Tori Martell and Ashley Van Sickle have combined for 16 three-pointers and are averaging a combined 6.0 points per game. Guard Coral Gillette and center Janie McRae are averaging 3.0 and 1.8 minutes per game, respectively.
BOZEMAN DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION: MSU is shooting 32.9 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 8.2 makes per game. Against Long Beach State, the Cats connected on a season-high 11-of-29 attempts for 37.9 percent, which was higher than its overall field-goal percentage of 36.7 against the 49ers. Senior Hannah Caudill is first all-time in three-point shooting at .393. Caudill has gone 30-66 for 45.5 percent in the opening ten games to the season. As a team, MSU has recorded at least one 3-pointer in the last 143 consecutive games. The last time the Cats were held without a three-pointer was Jan. 24, 2013 (0-9) at Weber State. Last season, MSU's 245 3-pointers were a school-record. The Cats have currently made 82 three-pointers.
STINGY D: The Bobcat defense evolved into one of the best units in the Big Sky Conference last winter leading the league in four statistical categories. This season has been no different to date. The Cats currently lead the Big Sky in scoring defense (59.1), are second in 3-point field-goal defense (27.9) and third in field-goal percentage defense (37.9) and rebound margin (3.3). So far this season, the Bobcats have held three teams to under 50 points - Providence (31), Wyoming (46), and MSU Billings (47).
BOBCAT INK: The Cats added four high school standouts to its roster for 2018-19. Signing with MSU were Gabrielle Mocchi, a 6-1 forward from Champlin, Minn., Halle Wright, a 6-0 forward from Aumsville, Ore., and Sidney Zieske, a 5-8 guard from Waconia, Minn. In addition, Brynley Fitzgerald, a 5-11 forward from Dillon, will join the program as a preferred walk-on.
MONTANA STATE (6-4) at BYU (4-6)
Date: Friday, Dec. 22, 2017
Tipoff: 2 p.m. (MST)
Site: Marriott Center (18,987) * Provo, UT
Radio: 1450 KMMS-AM; Play-by-Play with Jason Alvine
Live Video: BYUtv
Live Stats: byucougars.com
Live Audio: msubobcats.com/watch
Live TV: byutv.org
NEXT UP: The Montana State women's basketball team will play its final non-conference game when it faces Brigham Young on Friday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. in Provo, Utah (Marriott Center). The Bobcats will open Big Sky Conference action on Thursday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. when it hosts Southern Utah in Worthington Arena.
ON A SERIES NOTE: Friday's game is the 16th meeting between Montana State and BYU. The Cougars hold a 10-5 advantage in the all-time series dating back to its first meeting during the 1978-79 season. The Bobcats trail 6-2 all-time in Provo, but won the last contest in the Marriott Center on Dec. 30, 2010 with a 58-49 decision over BYU as Sarah Balian registered 16 points and 13 rebounds for MSU. The win snapped a five-game losing streak to the Cougars.
THE NITTY GRITTY: According to the Dec. 10, 2017 NCAA Nitty-Gritty rankings, the Bobcats are currently ranked No. 124 in the country. The highest Big Sky Conference listing belongs to Northern Colorado at No. 65, followed by No. 72 North Dakota and No. 75 Idaho State. Ranked behind Montana State is No. 139 Sacramento State, No. 171 Weber State, No. 187 Portland State, No. 192 Idaho, No. 293 Eastern Washington, No. 303 Montana, No. 316 Northern Arizona and No. 328 Southern Utah. The Bobcats finished the 2016-17 season ranked No. 59 in the NCAA's final Nitty Gritty listings. It was the highest a MSU team has ever been ranked. The next closest Big Sky team was Northern Colorado at No. 128. Friday's opponent BYU is currently ranked No. 226.
MONTANA STATE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Sophomore Oliana Squires is the reigning Montana State Player of the Week. Squires averaged 17 points and 4.0 three-point makes on the week as Montana State dropped an 81-75 decision at Hawaii on Dec. 4, before returning to the friendly confines of Worthington Arena to notch a 59-54 win over Stephen F. Austin in overtime on Dec. 9. In MSU's win over the Ladyjacks, Squires posted a career-high 20 points, which included a six-of-ten effort from long distance. The six 3-pointers were also a career-best. She also added two rebounds, two assists and three steals in the win. Against Hawaii, as the Bobcats wrapped-up a stretch of four games in six days, including three games in the Aloha State, Squires tallied 14 points versus the Rainbow Wahines, while also registering two steals. On the week, she shot 41.7 percent (10-24) from her shooting guard position and connected on eight-of-16 (50 percent) from beyond the 3-point arc.
BYU AT A GLANCE: BYU is currently 4-6 overall after dropping a 70-45 decision to Cal on Saturday. The Cougars are under the direction of Jeff Judkins who is in his 17th season at BYU. Brigham Young has faced three Big Sky opponents already this season, defeating Southern Utah 75-67 in overtime and Eastern Washington 73-69 in Cheney. Northern Colorado handed BYU a 79-74 overtime setback on Nov. 30.
DISHING THE ROCK: Senior Hannah Caudill matched a career-high 24 points to lift MSU to a victory at Long Beach State on Nov. 12. The product of Spokane, Wash., connected on 6-11 from the field and 6-9 from beyond the 3-point arc. On MSU's recent Hawaii trip, Caudill averaged 13.7 points per game. She was in double-digit scoring on two occasions with 19 points at Hawaii and 16 points in MSU's win over Utah State at the Maui Jim Classic. Caudill guided MSU to a win over Wyoming on Nov. 29 with a 19-point effort, which included a four-of-five showing from beyond the arc. In addition, she pulled down three rebounds, dished out three assists and went three-of-four from the line to secure the Bobcat victory. Caudill dished out a season best seven assists at Omaha on Nov. 17. She is currently 12th in the Big Sky averaging 3.2 assists per game and her 3.0 three-point makes per contest are fifth best in the league. Caudill is shooting 45.5 percent from long distance, which is the fourth best mark in the Big Sky. Caudill's 384 career assists is sixth most in Montana State history. She currently has her sights set on establishing the all-time mark of 443 set by Vicki Heebner-Carle from 1980-84. As a sophomore, Caudill led the Big Sky averaging 5.4 assists per contest. She dished out 166 assists, which was second most ever recorded in a single-season at MSU. In addition, Caudill moved into second all-time in three-point field-goals made at 180 triples and is first all-time in career three-point field-goal percentage hitting at a 39.3 clip. As a junior, Caudill averaged 4.4 assists per game, which ranked fourth in the Big Sky. Her current +1.3 assist-turnover ratio is ninth in the Big Sky Conference.
JUNK MAIL: Delany Junkermier, who delivered ten double-figure scoring games last season, including a season-high 19 points in Montana State's win over rival Montana on Feb. 25, has opened the 2017-18 season averaging 5.8 points per game. The Spokane, Wash., native notched a season-high 12 points as Montana State defeated Utah State at the Maui Jim Classic on Dec. 1. For the game, Junkermier connected on five-of-nine from the field. Over the course of three games in Hawaii, Junkermier averaged a team-best 6.0 rebounds per contest. In MSU's overtime win against Stephen F. Austin on Dec. 9, Junkermier pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds. The Mead High graduate is six 3-point makes away from moving into MSU's top 10 all-time. She currently has 104 career three-point makes.
MAD ABOUT YOU: Madeline Smith is off to an impressive start for the Bobcats. The product of Snohomish, Washington is averaging 11.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 55.6 percent from the field, connecting on 50-90 attempts. Against Omaha on Nov. 17, Smith recorded her first-ever double-double with a career-high 18 points to go along with 14 rebounds. Smith pulled down a career-high 19 rebounds against Providence on Nov. 15, which was just two shy of the Bobcat school-record of 21 set by Cass Bauer in 1994. On Nov. 25, Smith registered a career-high 23 points in MSU's win over MSU Billings. For the game, she connected on 11-16 from the field and went one-of-one at the line. She also notched her second straight double-double hauling down 12 rebounds against the Yellowjackets. Smith is third in the Big Sky Conference in rebounds per game, while her 55.6 field-goal percentage tops in the Big Sky. Her 9.3 rebounds per game is the ninth highest total by a sophomore at the NCAA Division I level so far this season.
SECRET BRAXTON FAMILY RECIPE: Blaire Braxton is currently second on the squad averaging 6.2 boards per contest. Last season as a true-freshman, Braxton started all 32 games and averaged 6.8 rebounds per game. The Highlands Ranch, Colo., product has already recorded two games with 10 rebounds or more this season. Last winter, Braxton registered four double-digit rebounding games, including a career-high 14 boards at Sacramento State. Braxton matched a season-high six points in MSU's win over Wyoming on Nov. 29. For the game, she connected on three-of-seven from the field and paced all Bobcats under the glass with nine rebounds. Braxton also swatted a career-high five blocks against the Cowgirls. In addition, she has done a nice job distributing the ball, averaging 2.7 assists per contest. Braxton recorded a career-high five assists in MSU's win over Long Beach State. Her current 1.6 blocks per game is fourth in the Big Sky and ranks 97th overall. Braxton's brother Zach is currently in his third season at Big Sky rival Weber State. The elder Braxton is also a force under the boards, averaging 7.0 rebounds per game.
HOLY MOLY, OLI: Oliana Squires has started all ten games and is averaging 9.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. The Colorado Springs, Colo., product posted a career-high 20 points in Montana State's win in overtime against Stephen F. Austin on Dec. 9. For the game, she connected on a career-high 6 3-pointers. Squires is currently second on the squad with 20 triples. In her last four outings, she has averaged 15 points a game, including a 14-of-33 effort from beyond the arc, hitting at a 42.4 percent clip.
HATCHET JOB: Senior Rebekah Hatchard has averaged 20.8 minutes per game over the last five outings. The native of Adelaide, Australia has averaged 7.2 points per game, while shooting 50 percent from the field over that time span.
THROWING SHAIDE: Redshirt sophomore Madisyn Shaide has played in six games for the Bobcats. The Missoula Big Sky graduate scored her first collegiate points against USC on Nov. 10.
THE FRESHMEN FIVE: All five of Montana State's freshmen class have made an impact this season. Leading the contingent is 6-2 forward Laura Pranger. The product of Centennial, Colo., is averaging 4.4 points per game, but has averaged 10.5 ppg in the last two outings, including a season-best 11 points at Hawaii. For the season, Pranger is shooting 45 percent from the field and is pulling down 3.7 rebounds per contest. She is currently second on the team with 14 blocked shots. Guards Tori Martell and Ashley Van Sickle have combined for 16 three-pointers and are averaging a combined 6.0 points per game. Guard Coral Gillette and center Janie McRae are averaging 3.0 and 1.8 minutes per game, respectively.
BOZEMAN DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION: MSU is shooting 32.9 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 8.2 makes per game. Against Long Beach State, the Cats connected on a season-high 11-of-29 attempts for 37.9 percent, which was higher than its overall field-goal percentage of 36.7 against the 49ers. Senior Hannah Caudill is first all-time in three-point shooting at .393. Caudill has gone 30-66 for 45.5 percent in the opening ten games to the season. As a team, MSU has recorded at least one 3-pointer in the last 143 consecutive games. The last time the Cats were held without a three-pointer was Jan. 24, 2013 (0-9) at Weber State. Last season, MSU's 245 3-pointers were a school-record. The Cats have currently made 82 three-pointers.
STINGY D: The Bobcat defense evolved into one of the best units in the Big Sky Conference last winter leading the league in four statistical categories. This season has been no different to date. The Cats currently lead the Big Sky in scoring defense (59.1), are second in 3-point field-goal defense (27.9) and third in field-goal percentage defense (37.9) and rebound margin (3.3). So far this season, the Bobcats have held three teams to under 50 points - Providence (31), Wyoming (46), and MSU Billings (47).
BOBCAT INK: The Cats added four high school standouts to its roster for 2018-19. Signing with MSU were Gabrielle Mocchi, a 6-1 forward from Champlin, Minn., Halle Wright, a 6-0 forward from Aumsville, Ore., and Sidney Zieske, a 5-8 guard from Waconia, Minn. In addition, Brynley Fitzgerald, a 5-11 forward from Dillon, will join the program as a preferred walk-on.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
C
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
F
/ 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
