Thursday, January 11
BOZEMAN
7 p.m.
Montana State University
vs
Portland State
Sophomore Madeline Smith
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Cat Women Host Vikings
1/10/2018 5:18:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Montana State will start a stretch of three straight home games inside the friendly confines of Worthington Arena when it hosts Portland State, Thursday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m.
MSU WBB NOTES l PSU WBB NOTES l LIVE VIDEO l LIVE STATS
PORTLAND STATE (8-6, 2-1) at MONTANA STATE (8-7, 2-2)
Date: Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018
Tipoff: 7 p.m. (MST)
Site: Worthington Arena (4,500) * 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
SACRAMENTO STATE (3-11, 1-2) at MONTANA STATE (8-7, 2-2)
Date: Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018
Tipoff: 2 p.m. (MST)
Site: Worthington Arena (4,500) * 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
Promo: Pack The House - All tickets and selected concessions $2.
NEXT UP: Montana State will start a stretch of three straight home games inside the friendly confines of Worthington Arena when it hosts Portland State, Thursday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. The Bobcats will conclude weekend play when it faces Sacramento State, Saturday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. MSU will close out the home stand with the annual Brawl of the Wild contest against Montana, Saturday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m.
ON A SERIES NOTE: The Bobcats hold a 36-22 advantage in its all-time series with Portland State going back to the 1976-77 campaign. The Vikings won the last meeting between the two squads last season on Feb. 16 in the Rose City. The PSU win snapped a four game losing streak to the Bobcats. MSU has claimed eight of the last eleven meetings. Montana State is 21-7 against the Vikings in Worthington Arena. PSU's last win in Bozeman came on Feb. 2, 2013 (75-72). Montana State is 31-11 in its all-time series with Sacramento State dating back to Jan. 24, 1997. The Bobcats have captured the last four meeting between the two Big Sky rivals.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: The Cats have the nation's second longest home court win streak. MSU's current 31-game home streak is second only to national power UConn (70). Montana State's last loss in Worthington Arena was a 62-49 decision to San Diego on Nov. 24, 2015.
THE NITTY GRITTY: According to the Jan. 7, 2018 NCAA Nitty-Gritty rankings the Bobcats are currently ranked #210 in the country. The highest Big Sky Conference listing belongs to Northern Colorado at #45, followed by #170 Portland State, #172 Weber State, #176 Idaho, #179 Idaho State and #185 North Dakota. Ranked behind Montana State is #214 Eastern Washington, #239 Sacramento State, #258 Montana, #318 Northern Arizona and #326 Southern Utah. The Bobcats finished the 2016-17 season ranked #59 - its highest finish ever.
QUICK TIP: In its two games last weekend at Northern Colorado and North Dakota, the Bobcats shot 42.4 percent from the field. They went 31.8 percent from the floor in the first half, and heated up to 53 percent in the second stanza.
DISHING THE ROCK: Senior Hannah Caudill's 409 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 has moved into second all-time in three-point field-goals made with 197 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 +1.5 assist-turnover ratio is sixth in the Big Sky Conference. Caudill matched a career-high 24 points at North Dakota on Saturday, connecting on nine-of-19 from the field, including four 3-pointers. The product of Spokane, Wash., has connected on season-high six 3-pointers against both Long Beach State and Southern Utah. 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 eight assists at Northern Colorado on Jan. 4. She is currently eighth in the Big Sky averaging 3.8 assists per game and her 3.1 three-point makes per contest are fourth best in the league. Caudill is shooting 43.5 percent from long distance, which is fourth in the Big Sky. Last weekend, she averaged 16 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and one steal per game, while shooting 44.4 percent from the floor and connecting on six 3-pointers.
JUNK MAIL: Delany Junkermier recorded a career-high 22 points in Montana State's win over Southern Utah on Dec. 28. She ended the game shooting nine-of-14 from the field, including a four-of-six effort from beyond the arc. In addition, Junkermier pulled down eight rebounds and had two assists, two steals and a blocked shot. Junkermier came out hot against the T-Birds, notching 15 points in the first quarter. On Thursday, she returned to action after sitting out the NAU game and posted her second straight +20 game with 21 points, including four treys against Northern Colorado. The Spokane, Wash., native notched 12 points as Montana State defeated Utah State at the Maui Jim Classic on Dec. 1. 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 moved into MSU's top 10 all-time in three-point makes on Thursday. She currently has 115 career three-pointers.
MAD ABOUT YOU: Madeline Smith is off to an impressive start for the Bobcats. The product of Snohomish, Washington is averaging 11.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 54.7 percent from the field, connecting on 75-137 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 third in the Big Sky Conference in rebounds per game, while her 54.7percent field-goal percentage is third in the Big Sky. Her 9.1 rebounds per game is the 11th highest total by a sophomore at the NCAA Division I level so far this season. On Thursday night, she came off the bench to record 19 points at Northern Colorado, converting nine-of-13 from the field. Smith totaled five points and seven rebounds at No. Dakota.
SECRET BRAXTON FAMILY RECIPE: Blaire Braxton is currently second on the squad averaging 5.7 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. On Thursday night, Braxton pulled down three rebounds and added four points against Northern Colorado. Braxton swatted a career-high five blocks against Wyoming on Nov. 29. Braxton recorded a career-high five assists in MSU's win over Long Beach State. Her current 1.3 blocks per game is fifth in the Big Sky and ranks 140th 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 15 games and is averaging 10.3 points and 2.8 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. For the game, she connected on a career-high six 3-pointers. Squires is currently second on the squad with 31 triples. In her last seven outings, she has averaged 13.7 points a game, including a 19-of-42 effort from beyond the arc. Squires is 11th in the Big Sky shooting 35.2 percent from beyond the arc and her 2.07 3-point field-goals per game is 13th best in the league. Last weekend, Squires averaged 11 points, three assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
HATCHET JOB: Senior Rebekah Hatchard has started the last four games for the Bobcats and has averaged 11.5 points and four rebounds per game over that span. Hatchard recorded a career-high 17 points at North Dakota on Saturday, connecting on seven-of-10 from the field and three-of-three from the free throw line. She is currently shooting 38.7 percent from beyond the arc and has gone seven-of-13 from long distance in the last four games.
THROWING SHAIDE: Redshirt sophomore Madisyn Shaide has played in nine games for the Bobcats. The Missoula Big Sky graduate matched a career-high three points vs. Southern Utah on Dec. 28.
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., received her first collegiate start against Northern Arizona on Dec. 30 and notched a career-best 12 points connecting on five-of-six from the field and two-of-two from three-point range. For the season, Pranger is shooting 42.2 percent from the field and is pulling down 3.5 rebounds per contest. She is currently second on the team with 18 blocked shots. Guards Tori Martell and Ashley Van Sickle have combined for 26 three-pointers and are averaging a combined 6.2 points per game. Each had 3 triples and a career-high nine points in MSU's win over Northern Arizona. Guard Coral Gillette and center Janie McRae each played six minutes versus NAU with Gillette hitting a triple and McRae a layin.
BOZEMAN DOWNTOWN ASSOC.: MSU is shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 9.6 makes per game. Against Southern Utah on Dec. 28, the Cats set a new school-record with 18 three-pointers. MSU came out hot against the T-Birds, converting nine triples in the opening quarter. As a team, MSU has recorded at least one 3-pointer in the last 148 consecutive games. The last time the Cats were held without a trey 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 144 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 are currently second in the league in 3-Point Field Goal Percentage Defense (29.0%) and are third in Blocked Shots (66), Scoring Defense (62.5), Rebound Margin (1.9) and Field-Goal Percentage Defense (39.1). So far this season, the Bobcats have held four teams to under 50 points - Providence (31), Northern Arizona (39), Wyoming (46), and MSU Billings (47).
THAT'S OFFENSIVE: MSU entered Big Sky play averaging 59.1 points. After a slight tweak in its offensive scheme, the Cats have averaged 77.8 points per game in league action. In the opening weekend against SUU and NAU, the Cats had its best two shooting nights in history from long distance (34-77)
PORTLAND STATE (8-6, 2-1) at MONTANA STATE (8-7, 2-2)
Date: Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018
Tipoff: 7 p.m. (MST)
Site: Worthington Arena (4,500) * 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
SACRAMENTO STATE (3-11, 1-2) at MONTANA STATE (8-7, 2-2)
Date: Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018
Tipoff: 2 p.m. (MST)
Site: Worthington Arena (4,500) * 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
Promo: Pack The House - All tickets and selected concessions $2.
NEXT UP: Montana State will start a stretch of three straight home games inside the friendly confines of Worthington Arena when it hosts Portland State, Thursday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. The Bobcats will conclude weekend play when it faces Sacramento State, Saturday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. MSU will close out the home stand with the annual Brawl of the Wild contest against Montana, Saturday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m.
ON A SERIES NOTE: The Bobcats hold a 36-22 advantage in its all-time series with Portland State going back to the 1976-77 campaign. The Vikings won the last meeting between the two squads last season on Feb. 16 in the Rose City. The PSU win snapped a four game losing streak to the Bobcats. MSU has claimed eight of the last eleven meetings. Montana State is 21-7 against the Vikings in Worthington Arena. PSU's last win in Bozeman came on Feb. 2, 2013 (75-72). Montana State is 31-11 in its all-time series with Sacramento State dating back to Jan. 24, 1997. The Bobcats have captured the last four meeting between the two Big Sky rivals.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: The Cats have the nation's second longest home court win streak. MSU's current 31-game home streak is second only to national power UConn (70). Montana State's last loss in Worthington Arena was a 62-49 decision to San Diego on Nov. 24, 2015.
THE NITTY GRITTY: According to the Jan. 7, 2018 NCAA Nitty-Gritty rankings the Bobcats are currently ranked #210 in the country. The highest Big Sky Conference listing belongs to Northern Colorado at #45, followed by #170 Portland State, #172 Weber State, #176 Idaho, #179 Idaho State and #185 North Dakota. Ranked behind Montana State is #214 Eastern Washington, #239 Sacramento State, #258 Montana, #318 Northern Arizona and #326 Southern Utah. The Bobcats finished the 2016-17 season ranked #59 - its highest finish ever.
QUICK TIP: In its two games last weekend at Northern Colorado and North Dakota, the Bobcats shot 42.4 percent from the field. They went 31.8 percent from the floor in the first half, and heated up to 53 percent in the second stanza.
DISHING THE ROCK: Senior Hannah Caudill's 409 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 has moved into second all-time in three-point field-goals made with 197 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 +1.5 assist-turnover ratio is sixth in the Big Sky Conference. Caudill matched a career-high 24 points at North Dakota on Saturday, connecting on nine-of-19 from the field, including four 3-pointers. The product of Spokane, Wash., has connected on season-high six 3-pointers against both Long Beach State and Southern Utah. 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 eight assists at Northern Colorado on Jan. 4. She is currently eighth in the Big Sky averaging 3.8 assists per game and her 3.1 three-point makes per contest are fourth best in the league. Caudill is shooting 43.5 percent from long distance, which is fourth in the Big Sky. Last weekend, she averaged 16 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and one steal per game, while shooting 44.4 percent from the floor and connecting on six 3-pointers.
JUNK MAIL: Delany Junkermier recorded a career-high 22 points in Montana State's win over Southern Utah on Dec. 28. She ended the game shooting nine-of-14 from the field, including a four-of-six effort from beyond the arc. In addition, Junkermier pulled down eight rebounds and had two assists, two steals and a blocked shot. Junkermier came out hot against the T-Birds, notching 15 points in the first quarter. On Thursday, she returned to action after sitting out the NAU game and posted her second straight +20 game with 21 points, including four treys against Northern Colorado. The Spokane, Wash., native notched 12 points as Montana State defeated Utah State at the Maui Jim Classic on Dec. 1. 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 moved into MSU's top 10 all-time in three-point makes on Thursday. She currently has 115 career three-pointers.
MAD ABOUT YOU: Madeline Smith is off to an impressive start for the Bobcats. The product of Snohomish, Washington is averaging 11.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 54.7 percent from the field, connecting on 75-137 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 third in the Big Sky Conference in rebounds per game, while her 54.7percent field-goal percentage is third in the Big Sky. Her 9.1 rebounds per game is the 11th highest total by a sophomore at the NCAA Division I level so far this season. On Thursday night, she came off the bench to record 19 points at Northern Colorado, converting nine-of-13 from the field. Smith totaled five points and seven rebounds at No. Dakota.
SECRET BRAXTON FAMILY RECIPE: Blaire Braxton is currently second on the squad averaging 5.7 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. On Thursday night, Braxton pulled down three rebounds and added four points against Northern Colorado. Braxton swatted a career-high five blocks against Wyoming on Nov. 29. Braxton recorded a career-high five assists in MSU's win over Long Beach State. Her current 1.3 blocks per game is fifth in the Big Sky and ranks 140th 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 15 games and is averaging 10.3 points and 2.8 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. For the game, she connected on a career-high six 3-pointers. Squires is currently second on the squad with 31 triples. In her last seven outings, she has averaged 13.7 points a game, including a 19-of-42 effort from beyond the arc. Squires is 11th in the Big Sky shooting 35.2 percent from beyond the arc and her 2.07 3-point field-goals per game is 13th best in the league. Last weekend, Squires averaged 11 points, three assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
HATCHET JOB: Senior Rebekah Hatchard has started the last four games for the Bobcats and has averaged 11.5 points and four rebounds per game over that span. Hatchard recorded a career-high 17 points at North Dakota on Saturday, connecting on seven-of-10 from the field and three-of-three from the free throw line. She is currently shooting 38.7 percent from beyond the arc and has gone seven-of-13 from long distance in the last four games.
THROWING SHAIDE: Redshirt sophomore Madisyn Shaide has played in nine games for the Bobcats. The Missoula Big Sky graduate matched a career-high three points vs. Southern Utah on Dec. 28.
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., received her first collegiate start against Northern Arizona on Dec. 30 and notched a career-best 12 points connecting on five-of-six from the field and two-of-two from three-point range. For the season, Pranger is shooting 42.2 percent from the field and is pulling down 3.5 rebounds per contest. She is currently second on the team with 18 blocked shots. Guards Tori Martell and Ashley Van Sickle have combined for 26 three-pointers and are averaging a combined 6.2 points per game. Each had 3 triples and a career-high nine points in MSU's win over Northern Arizona. Guard Coral Gillette and center Janie McRae each played six minutes versus NAU with Gillette hitting a triple and McRae a layin.
BOZEMAN DOWNTOWN ASSOC.: MSU is shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 9.6 makes per game. Against Southern Utah on Dec. 28, the Cats set a new school-record with 18 three-pointers. MSU came out hot against the T-Birds, converting nine triples in the opening quarter. As a team, MSU has recorded at least one 3-pointer in the last 148 consecutive games. The last time the Cats were held without a trey 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 144 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 are currently second in the league in 3-Point Field Goal Percentage Defense (29.0%) and are third in Blocked Shots (66), Scoring Defense (62.5), Rebound Margin (1.9) and Field-Goal Percentage Defense (39.1). So far this season, the Bobcats have held four teams to under 50 points - Providence (31), Northern Arizona (39), Wyoming (46), and MSU Billings (47).
THAT'S OFFENSIVE: MSU entered Big Sky play averaging 59.1 points. After a slight tweak in its offensive scheme, the Cats have averaged 77.8 points per game in league action. In the opening weekend against SUU and NAU, the Cats had its best two shooting nights in history from long distance (34-77)
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