Thursday, December 28
BOZEMAN
7 p.m.
Montana State University
vs
Southern Utah
Photo by: Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez
Cats Host Southern Utah in Big Sky Conference Opener
12/27/2017 4:22:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Montana State women’s basketball team will open its 2017-18 Big Sky Conference slate when it hosts a pair of games this week in Worthington Arena. MSU will face Southern Utah, Thursday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m., and will conclude play against Northern Arizona on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.
MSU WBB NOTES l LIVE VIDEO l LIVE STATS
SOUTHERN UTAH (1-10) at MONTANA STATE (6-5)
Date: Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017
Tipoff: 7 p.m. (MST)
Site: Worthington Arena (7,000) * Bozeman, MT
Radio: 103.5 KISS FM; Play-by-Play with Jason Alvine
Live Video: Pluto TV (ch. 238) or WatchBigSky.com
Live Stats: bobcatstats.com
Live Audio: msubobcats.com/watch
Live TV: None
NORTHERN ARIZONA (3-8) at MONTANA STATE (6-5)
Date: Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017
Tipoff: 2 p.m. (MST)
Site: Worthington Arena (7,000) * Bozeman, MT
Radio: 103.5 KISS FM; Play-by-Play with Jason Alvine
Live Video: Pluto TV (ch. 238) or WatchBigSky.com
Live Stats: bobcatstats.com
Live Audio: msubobcats.com/watch
Live TV: None
NEXT UP: The Montana State women's basketball team will open its 2017-18 Big Sky Conference slate when it hosts a pair of games this week in Worthington Arena. MSU will face Southern Utah, Thursday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m., and will conclude play against Northern Arizona on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.
BIG SKY OPENERS: Montana State is 15-14 all-time in Big Sky Conference openers. Head coach Tricia Binford is 5-7 in league openers during her time with the Blue and Gold. MSU has captured its last two BSC openers, defeating Southern Utah in 2016 and winning at Weber State to begin conference play last season.
ON A SERIES NOTE: Montana State is 15-5 all-time against Southern Utah dating back to Nov. 29, 1988. The Bobcats have captured the last three outings from the Thunderbirds, including a 71-68 win in Worthington Arena, last February. MSU owns a 43-21 advantage in its all-time series with Northern Arizona dating back to Jan. 14, 1988. Montana State has won the last three meeting between the two Big Sky foes, including an 86-69 decision last February in Bozeman. The Bobcats have won 12 of the last 13 meetings in the series. NAU's last victory was a 79-64 decision on Jan. 24, 2015 in Flagstaff.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: The Bobcats have the nation's second longest home court win streak heading into this Thursday's game with Southern Utah. MSU's current 29-game home streak is second only to national power UConn (69). Montana State's last loss in Worthington Arena was a 62-49 loss to San Diego on Nov. 24, 2015.
THE NITTY GRITTY: According to the Dec. 17, 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. 55, followed by No. 81 North Dakota and No. 88 Idaho State. Ranked behind Montana State is No. 145 Portland State, No. No. 170 Weber State, 184 Sacramento State, No. 217 Idaho, No. 283 Eastern Washington, No. 308 Montana, No. 338 Southern Utah and No. 342 Northern Arizona. The Bobcats finished the 2016-17 season ranked No. 59 - its highest finish ever.
DISHING THE ROCK: Senior Hannah Caudill's 388 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 with 184 triples and is first all-time in career three-point field-goal percentage hitting at a 39.4% clip. As a junior, Caudill averaged 4.4 assists per game, which ranked fourth in the Big Sky. Her current +1.1 assist-turnover ratio is 12th in the Big Sky Conference. 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 season-high 6-of-9 from beyond the 3-point arc. On MSU's 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. Caudill dished out a season best seven assists at Omaha on Nov. 17. She is currently 11th in the Big Sky averaging 3.3 assists per game and her 3.1 three-point makes per contest are fourth best in the league. Caudill is shooting 45.3 percent from long distance, which is the fourth best mark in the Big Sky. Last week at BYU, she posted 12 points (all 3s) and four assists.
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 6.2 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 four 3-point makes away from moving into MSU's top 10 all-time. She currently has 106 career three-point makes. Last week at BYU, Junkermier notched her second double-digit scoring game of the season with 10 points, including two treys.
MAD ABOUT YOU: Madeline Smith is off to an impressive start for the Bobcats. The product of Snohomish, Washington is averaging 10.9 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 53 percent from the field, connecting on 53-100 attempts. Against Omaha on Nov. 17, Smith recorded her first-ever double-double with 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 second in the Big Sky Conference in rebounds per game, while her 53 percent field-goal percentage is fourth in the Big Sky. Her 9.5 rebounds per game is the fourth highest total by a sophomore at the NCAA Division I level so far this season. Last week at BYU, Smith pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with seven points and a career-high five assists.
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 loss at BYU last week. For the game, she connected on three-of-five from the field and hauled down six rebounds. Against Wyoming on Nov. 29, Braxton swatted a career-high five blocks against the Cowgirls. This winter, she has also done a nice job distributing the ball, averaging 2.5 assists per contest, which is second best on the squad. Braxton recorded a career-high five assists in MSU's win over Long Beach State. Her current 1.5 blocks per game is fifth in the Big Sky and ranks 121st overall. Braxton's brother Zach (a junior) 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 11 games and is averaging 9.4 points and 2.5 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 six 3-pointers. Squires is currently second on the squad with 23 triples. In her last five outings, she has averaged 14.2 points a game, including a 23-of-66 effort from beyond the arc. Over the five games, Squires is shooting 43 percent from long distance. Squires is tenth in the Big Sky shooting 35.4 percent from beyond the arc and her 2.09 3-point field-goals per game is 13th best in the league. Against BYU last week, Squires recorded 11 points, including three triples. She also pulled down a season-best six rebounds.
HATCHET JOB: Senior Rebekah Hatchard has averaged 20.2 minutes per game over the last five outings. The native of Adelaide, Australia has averaged 6.2 points per game, while shooting 45.4 percent from the field over that time span. At BYU last week, she was held scoreless on 0-of-two from the floor. Hatchard also pulled down three rebounds and had an assist.
THROWING SHAIDE: Redshirt sophomore Madisyn Shaide has played in seven 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 have made an impact this season. Leading the contingent is 6-2 forward Laura Pranger. The product of Centennial, Colo., is averaging 4.5 points per game, but has averaged 8.7 ppg in the last three outings, including a season-best 11 points at Hawaii. For the season, Pranger is shooting 43.5 percent from the field and is pulling down 3.6 rebounds per contest. She is currently second on the team with 14 blocked shots. Pranger notched five points and three rebounds in MSU's loss at BYU. Guards Tori Martell and Ashley Van Sickle have combined for 17 three-pointers and are averaging a combined 5.7 points per game. Guard Coral Gillette and center Janie McRae have played in 7 and 4 games, respectively.
BOZEMAN DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION: MSU is shooting 33.7 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 8.5 makes per game. Against BYU last week, the Cats matched a season-high 11 triples, connecting on 11-of-27 attempts for 40.7 percent, which was higher than its overall field-goal percentage of 37.5 against the Cougars. Senior Hannah Caudill is first all-time in three-point shooting at .394. Caudill has gone 34-75 for 45.3 percent in the opening 11 games to the season. As a team, MSU has recorded at least one 3-pointer in the last 144 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 currently have made 93 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 (60.5) and three-point field-goal defense (27.4), which is also 50th in the nation. MSU is also third in rebound margin (3.1). 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 schoolers to its roster for 2018-19. They are 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 Cats as a preferred walk-on.
SOUTHERN UTAH (1-10) at MONTANA STATE (6-5)
Date: Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017
Tipoff: 7 p.m. (MST)
Site: Worthington Arena (7,000) * Bozeman, MT
Radio: 103.5 KISS FM; Play-by-Play with Jason Alvine
Live Video: Pluto TV (ch. 238) or WatchBigSky.com
Live Stats: bobcatstats.com
Live Audio: msubobcats.com/watch
Live TV: None
NORTHERN ARIZONA (3-8) at MONTANA STATE (6-5)
Date: Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017
Tipoff: 2 p.m. (MST)
Site: Worthington Arena (7,000) * Bozeman, MT
Radio: 103.5 KISS FM; Play-by-Play with Jason Alvine
Live Video: Pluto TV (ch. 238) or WatchBigSky.com
Live Stats: bobcatstats.com
Live Audio: msubobcats.com/watch
Live TV: None
NEXT UP: The Montana State women's basketball team will open its 2017-18 Big Sky Conference slate when it hosts a pair of games this week in Worthington Arena. MSU will face Southern Utah, Thursday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m., and will conclude play against Northern Arizona on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.
BIG SKY OPENERS: Montana State is 15-14 all-time in Big Sky Conference openers. Head coach Tricia Binford is 5-7 in league openers during her time with the Blue and Gold. MSU has captured its last two BSC openers, defeating Southern Utah in 2016 and winning at Weber State to begin conference play last season.
ON A SERIES NOTE: Montana State is 15-5 all-time against Southern Utah dating back to Nov. 29, 1988. The Bobcats have captured the last three outings from the Thunderbirds, including a 71-68 win in Worthington Arena, last February. MSU owns a 43-21 advantage in its all-time series with Northern Arizona dating back to Jan. 14, 1988. Montana State has won the last three meeting between the two Big Sky foes, including an 86-69 decision last February in Bozeman. The Bobcats have won 12 of the last 13 meetings in the series. NAU's last victory was a 79-64 decision on Jan. 24, 2015 in Flagstaff.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: The Bobcats have the nation's second longest home court win streak heading into this Thursday's game with Southern Utah. MSU's current 29-game home streak is second only to national power UConn (69). Montana State's last loss in Worthington Arena was a 62-49 loss to San Diego on Nov. 24, 2015.
THE NITTY GRITTY: According to the Dec. 17, 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. 55, followed by No. 81 North Dakota and No. 88 Idaho State. Ranked behind Montana State is No. 145 Portland State, No. No. 170 Weber State, 184 Sacramento State, No. 217 Idaho, No. 283 Eastern Washington, No. 308 Montana, No. 338 Southern Utah and No. 342 Northern Arizona. The Bobcats finished the 2016-17 season ranked No. 59 - its highest finish ever.
DISHING THE ROCK: Senior Hannah Caudill's 388 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 with 184 triples and is first all-time in career three-point field-goal percentage hitting at a 39.4% clip. As a junior, Caudill averaged 4.4 assists per game, which ranked fourth in the Big Sky. Her current +1.1 assist-turnover ratio is 12th in the Big Sky Conference. 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 season-high 6-of-9 from beyond the 3-point arc. On MSU's 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. Caudill dished out a season best seven assists at Omaha on Nov. 17. She is currently 11th in the Big Sky averaging 3.3 assists per game and her 3.1 three-point makes per contest are fourth best in the league. Caudill is shooting 45.3 percent from long distance, which is the fourth best mark in the Big Sky. Last week at BYU, she posted 12 points (all 3s) and four assists.
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 6.2 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 four 3-point makes away from moving into MSU's top 10 all-time. She currently has 106 career three-point makes. Last week at BYU, Junkermier notched her second double-digit scoring game of the season with 10 points, including two treys.
MAD ABOUT YOU: Madeline Smith is off to an impressive start for the Bobcats. The product of Snohomish, Washington is averaging 10.9 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 53 percent from the field, connecting on 53-100 attempts. Against Omaha on Nov. 17, Smith recorded her first-ever double-double with 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 second in the Big Sky Conference in rebounds per game, while her 53 percent field-goal percentage is fourth in the Big Sky. Her 9.5 rebounds per game is the fourth highest total by a sophomore at the NCAA Division I level so far this season. Last week at BYU, Smith pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with seven points and a career-high five assists.
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 loss at BYU last week. For the game, she connected on three-of-five from the field and hauled down six rebounds. Against Wyoming on Nov. 29, Braxton swatted a career-high five blocks against the Cowgirls. This winter, she has also done a nice job distributing the ball, averaging 2.5 assists per contest, which is second best on the squad. Braxton recorded a career-high five assists in MSU's win over Long Beach State. Her current 1.5 blocks per game is fifth in the Big Sky and ranks 121st overall. Braxton's brother Zach (a junior) 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 11 games and is averaging 9.4 points and 2.5 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 six 3-pointers. Squires is currently second on the squad with 23 triples. In her last five outings, she has averaged 14.2 points a game, including a 23-of-66 effort from beyond the arc. Over the five games, Squires is shooting 43 percent from long distance. Squires is tenth in the Big Sky shooting 35.4 percent from beyond the arc and her 2.09 3-point field-goals per game is 13th best in the league. Against BYU last week, Squires recorded 11 points, including three triples. She also pulled down a season-best six rebounds.
HATCHET JOB: Senior Rebekah Hatchard has averaged 20.2 minutes per game over the last five outings. The native of Adelaide, Australia has averaged 6.2 points per game, while shooting 45.4 percent from the field over that time span. At BYU last week, she was held scoreless on 0-of-two from the floor. Hatchard also pulled down three rebounds and had an assist.
THROWING SHAIDE: Redshirt sophomore Madisyn Shaide has played in seven 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 have made an impact this season. Leading the contingent is 6-2 forward Laura Pranger. The product of Centennial, Colo., is averaging 4.5 points per game, but has averaged 8.7 ppg in the last three outings, including a season-best 11 points at Hawaii. For the season, Pranger is shooting 43.5 percent from the field and is pulling down 3.6 rebounds per contest. She is currently second on the team with 14 blocked shots. Pranger notched five points and three rebounds in MSU's loss at BYU. Guards Tori Martell and Ashley Van Sickle have combined for 17 three-pointers and are averaging a combined 5.7 points per game. Guard Coral Gillette and center Janie McRae have played in 7 and 4 games, respectively.
BOZEMAN DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION: MSU is shooting 33.7 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 8.5 makes per game. Against BYU last week, the Cats matched a season-high 11 triples, connecting on 11-of-27 attempts for 40.7 percent, which was higher than its overall field-goal percentage of 37.5 against the Cougars. Senior Hannah Caudill is first all-time in three-point shooting at .394. Caudill has gone 34-75 for 45.3 percent in the opening 11 games to the season. As a team, MSU has recorded at least one 3-pointer in the last 144 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 currently have made 93 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 (60.5) and three-point field-goal defense (27.4), which is also 50th in the nation. MSU is also third in rebound margin (3.1). 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 schoolers to its roster for 2018-19. They are 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 Cats as a preferred walk-on.
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