Saturday, January 20
BOZEMAN
2 p.m.
Montana State University
vs
Montana
Senior Delany Junkermier
Photo by: Montana State University
Cat-Lady Griz: Part I
1/19/2018 12:24:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Montana State will conclude a three-game home stand against Montana, Saturday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. in Worthington Arena.
MSU WBB NOTES l UM WBB NOTES l LIVE VIDEO l LIVE STATS
MONTANA (9-8, 5-1) at MONTANA STATE (9-8, 3-3)
Date: Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018
Tipoff: 2 p.m. (MST)
Site: Worthington Arena (7,000) * Bozeman, MT
Radio: 1450 KMMS-AM; 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: SWX Television; Chris Byers, Play-by-Play; Krista Redpath, Color
NEXT UP: Montana State will conclude a three-game home stand against Montana, Saturday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. in Worthington Arena. The game will be televised live on SWX Montana, 18.3/28.3 over the air, Charter Cable Ch. 199, and will be streamed live on the Watch SWX app.
ON A SERIES NOTE: Montana leads the all-time series 77-26, but the Bobcats have had the upper-hand lately winning four of the last five outings, including a season sweep of the Lady Griz last season. The Bobcats have won three straight over Montana in Worthington Arena. UM's last win in Bozeman was a 72-65 decision on March 3, 2014.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: The Cats saw the nation's second longest home court win streak snapped last Thursday as Portland State handed MSU a 69-60 setback. MSU's 31-game home streak was second only to national power UConn (72). Before Thursday's game, 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. 18, 2018 NCAA Nitty-Gritty rankings the Bobcats are currently ranked #229 in the country. The highest Big Sky Conference listing belongs to Northern Colorado at #33, followed by #132 Weber State, #139 Idaho State, #173 Portland State, #179 North Dakota, #193 Eastern Washington and #206 Idaho. Ranked behind Montana State is #241 Montana, #269 Sacramento State, #303 Southern Utah and #320 Northern Arizona. The Bobcats finished the 2016-17 season ranked #59 - its highest finish ever.
QUICK TIP: Montana State defeated Southern Utah, Northern Arizona and Sacramento State by a margin of +32.3 points per game. The Lady Griz defeated the same teams by an average of +9.0 points per contest. The Cat offensive can be explosive.
BOBCAT PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Delany Junkermier guided the Bobcats to a 1-1 mark last weekend averaging a team-best 21 points per game, while shooting 63.6 percent (14-22) from the field and an impressive 75 percent (9-12) from long distance. In addition, she averaged two rebounds, and two steals per game. For her efforts, she was named Montana State Player of the Week. In Montana State's win over Sacramento State, Junkermier tallied a career-high 23 points connecting on seven-of-12 from the field, four-of-five from beyond the arc and a perfect four-of-four at the line. The Spokane product also registered three rebounds, two steals and an assist in the Bobcat victory. In MSU's loss to Portland State last Thursday, she poured in 19 points on seven-of-10 from the floor, including a four-of-six effort from beyond the arc. Junkermier also notched two steals and a rebound against the Vikings. On the season, she is averaging 10 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest.
DISHING THE ROCK: Senior Hannah Caudill's 420 career assists is fifth most in Montana State history. She currently has her sights set on breaking the all-time mark of 443 set by Vicki Heebner-Carle from 1980-84. In addition, Caudill has moved into second all-time in three-point field-goals made with 201 triples (only the second Bobcat to go over 200 makes) and is first all-time in career three-point field-goal percentage hitting at a 39.2% clip. As a junior, Caudill averaged 4.4 assists per game, which ranked fourth in the Big Sky. As a sophomore, she led the league averaging 5.4 assists per contest. She dished out 166 assists, which was second most ever recorded in a single-season at MSU. Her current +1.6 assist-turnover ratio is fourth in the Big Sky Conference. Caudill matched a career-high 24 points at North Dakota on Jan.6, 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 matched a season best eight assists against Sacramento State, last Saturday. She is currently seventh in the Big Sky averaging 4.0 assists per game and her 3.0 three-point makes per contest are fourth best in the league. Caudill is shooting 42.1 percent from long distance, which is third in the Big Sky. Last weekend, she averaged 8.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, while shooting 35.3 percent from the floor and connecting on four-of-13 from beyond the three-point arc. Caudill currently leads the Big Sky Conference averaging 5.3 assists in league only games. She also ranks in the top 10 in three-point field-goal make and assist/turnover ratio.
JUNK MAIL: Delany Junkermier recorded a career-high 23 points in Montana State's win over Sacramento State, last Saturday. She ended the game shooting seven-of-12 from the field, including a five-of-six effort from beyond the arc. In addition, Junkermier pulled down three rebounds, had two steals and an assist. In her last her last five games, she has posted 20 or more points on three occasions. Over that span, Junkermier is averaging 18.4 points per game, while shooting 57.8 percent from the field and connecting on 18 3-pointers. The Mead High graduate moved into eighth on MSU's all-time Top 10 3-point makes list on Saturday. She currently has 124 career three-pointers. Last weekend, Junkermier averaged 21 points per game, while adding four rebounds and two steals. In MSU's overtime win against Stephen F. Austin on Dec. 9, Junkermier pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds. She is currently first in the Big Sky in 3-point field-goal percentage (.612), second in field-goal percentage (.579), third in three-point field goal made per game (3.6) and fifth in the league in scoring (18.4).
MAD ABOUT YOU: Madeline Smith is making an impact in her second season with the Bobcats. The product of Snohomish, Washington is averaging 11.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 52.4 percent from the field, connecting on 86-164 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 52.4 percent field-goal percentage is third highest in the league. Her 8.9 rebounds per game is the 12th highest total by a sophomore at the NCAA Division I level so far this season. Last weekend, the 6-2 forward averaged 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. In addition, she finished the two games shooting 41 percent from the floor and 70 percent from the line.
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 Saturday afternoon, Braxton pulled down six rebounds - all defensive- coming off the bench against Sacramento State. 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 1.4 blocks per game is fifth in the Big Sky and ranks 100th 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 7.2 rebounds per game.
HOLY MOLY, OLI: Oliana Squires has started all 17 games and is averaging 10.4 points and 3.1 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 37 triples. In her last nine outings, she has averaged 13.2 points a game, including a 25-of-53 effort from beyond the arc. Squires is ninth in the Big Sky shooting 37.4 percent from beyond the arc and her 2.18 3-point field-goals per game is 12th best in the league. Last weekend, Squires averaged 11.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
HATCHET JOB: Senior Rebekah Hatchard has started the last six games for the Bobcats and has averaged 10 points and four rebounds per game over that span. Hatchard recorded a career-high 17 points at North Dakota on Jan. 6, connecting on seven-of-10 from the field and three-of-three from the free throw line. She is currently shooting 35.1 percent from beyond the arc and has gone eight-of-19 from long distance in the last six games.
THROWING SHAIDE: Sophomore Madisyn Shaide saw four minutes of action against Sacramento State and posted one and two rebounds. The Missoula Big Sky grad has played in 10 games this season.
FAB FROSH: 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 41.8 percent from the field and is pulling down 3.4 rebounds per contest. She is currently second on the team with 18 blocked shots. Guards Tori Martell and Ashley Van Sickle have combined for 28 three-pointers and are averaging a combined six points per game. Each had 3 triples and a career-high nine points in MSU's win over Northern Arizona on Dec. 30.
BOZEMAN DOWNTOWN ASSOC.: MSU is shooting 36.5 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 9.8 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 150 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 166 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 tops in the league in 3-point field goal percentage defense (27.7)) and are third in blocked shots (70) and scoring defense (62.1), and fourth in rebound margin (3.0) field-goal percentage defense (39.0) and rebounds (653). So far this season, the Bobcats have held five teams to 50 points or less - Providence (31), Northern Arizona (39), Wyoming (46), MSU Billings (47) and Sacramento State (50).
THAT'S OFFENSIVE: The Cats are 9th in the nation averaging 9.8 3-pointers a game.
MONTANA (9-8, 5-1) at MONTANA STATE (9-8, 3-3)
Date: Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018
Tipoff: 2 p.m. (MST)
Site: Worthington Arena (7,000) * Bozeman, MT
Radio: 1450 KMMS-AM; 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: SWX Television; Chris Byers, Play-by-Play; Krista Redpath, Color
NEXT UP: Montana State will conclude a three-game home stand against Montana, Saturday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. in Worthington Arena. The game will be televised live on SWX Montana, 18.3/28.3 over the air, Charter Cable Ch. 199, and will be streamed live on the Watch SWX app.
ON A SERIES NOTE: Montana leads the all-time series 77-26, but the Bobcats have had the upper-hand lately winning four of the last five outings, including a season sweep of the Lady Griz last season. The Bobcats have won three straight over Montana in Worthington Arena. UM's last win in Bozeman was a 72-65 decision on March 3, 2014.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: The Cats saw the nation's second longest home court win streak snapped last Thursday as Portland State handed MSU a 69-60 setback. MSU's 31-game home streak was second only to national power UConn (72). Before Thursday's game, 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. 18, 2018 NCAA Nitty-Gritty rankings the Bobcats are currently ranked #229 in the country. The highest Big Sky Conference listing belongs to Northern Colorado at #33, followed by #132 Weber State, #139 Idaho State, #173 Portland State, #179 North Dakota, #193 Eastern Washington and #206 Idaho. Ranked behind Montana State is #241 Montana, #269 Sacramento State, #303 Southern Utah and #320 Northern Arizona. The Bobcats finished the 2016-17 season ranked #59 - its highest finish ever.
QUICK TIP: Montana State defeated Southern Utah, Northern Arizona and Sacramento State by a margin of +32.3 points per game. The Lady Griz defeated the same teams by an average of +9.0 points per contest. The Cat offensive can be explosive.
BOBCAT PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Delany Junkermier guided the Bobcats to a 1-1 mark last weekend averaging a team-best 21 points per game, while shooting 63.6 percent (14-22) from the field and an impressive 75 percent (9-12) from long distance. In addition, she averaged two rebounds, and two steals per game. For her efforts, she was named Montana State Player of the Week. In Montana State's win over Sacramento State, Junkermier tallied a career-high 23 points connecting on seven-of-12 from the field, four-of-five from beyond the arc and a perfect four-of-four at the line. The Spokane product also registered three rebounds, two steals and an assist in the Bobcat victory. In MSU's loss to Portland State last Thursday, she poured in 19 points on seven-of-10 from the floor, including a four-of-six effort from beyond the arc. Junkermier also notched two steals and a rebound against the Vikings. On the season, she is averaging 10 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest.
DISHING THE ROCK: Senior Hannah Caudill's 420 career assists is fifth most in Montana State history. She currently has her sights set on breaking the all-time mark of 443 set by Vicki Heebner-Carle from 1980-84. In addition, Caudill has moved into second all-time in three-point field-goals made with 201 triples (only the second Bobcat to go over 200 makes) and is first all-time in career three-point field-goal percentage hitting at a 39.2% clip. As a junior, Caudill averaged 4.4 assists per game, which ranked fourth in the Big Sky. As a sophomore, she led the league averaging 5.4 assists per contest. She dished out 166 assists, which was second most ever recorded in a single-season at MSU. Her current +1.6 assist-turnover ratio is fourth in the Big Sky Conference. Caudill matched a career-high 24 points at North Dakota on Jan.6, 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 matched a season best eight assists against Sacramento State, last Saturday. She is currently seventh in the Big Sky averaging 4.0 assists per game and her 3.0 three-point makes per contest are fourth best in the league. Caudill is shooting 42.1 percent from long distance, which is third in the Big Sky. Last weekend, she averaged 8.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, while shooting 35.3 percent from the floor and connecting on four-of-13 from beyond the three-point arc. Caudill currently leads the Big Sky Conference averaging 5.3 assists in league only games. She also ranks in the top 10 in three-point field-goal make and assist/turnover ratio.
JUNK MAIL: Delany Junkermier recorded a career-high 23 points in Montana State's win over Sacramento State, last Saturday. She ended the game shooting seven-of-12 from the field, including a five-of-six effort from beyond the arc. In addition, Junkermier pulled down three rebounds, had two steals and an assist. In her last her last five games, she has posted 20 or more points on three occasions. Over that span, Junkermier is averaging 18.4 points per game, while shooting 57.8 percent from the field and connecting on 18 3-pointers. The Mead High graduate moved into eighth on MSU's all-time Top 10 3-point makes list on Saturday. She currently has 124 career three-pointers. Last weekend, Junkermier averaged 21 points per game, while adding four rebounds and two steals. In MSU's overtime win against Stephen F. Austin on Dec. 9, Junkermier pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds. She is currently first in the Big Sky in 3-point field-goal percentage (.612), second in field-goal percentage (.579), third in three-point field goal made per game (3.6) and fifth in the league in scoring (18.4).
MAD ABOUT YOU: Madeline Smith is making an impact in her second season with the Bobcats. The product of Snohomish, Washington is averaging 11.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 52.4 percent from the field, connecting on 86-164 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 52.4 percent field-goal percentage is third highest in the league. Her 8.9 rebounds per game is the 12th highest total by a sophomore at the NCAA Division I level so far this season. Last weekend, the 6-2 forward averaged 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. In addition, she finished the two games shooting 41 percent from the floor and 70 percent from the line.
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 Saturday afternoon, Braxton pulled down six rebounds - all defensive- coming off the bench against Sacramento State. 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 1.4 blocks per game is fifth in the Big Sky and ranks 100th 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 7.2 rebounds per game.
HOLY MOLY, OLI: Oliana Squires has started all 17 games and is averaging 10.4 points and 3.1 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 37 triples. In her last nine outings, she has averaged 13.2 points a game, including a 25-of-53 effort from beyond the arc. Squires is ninth in the Big Sky shooting 37.4 percent from beyond the arc and her 2.18 3-point field-goals per game is 12th best in the league. Last weekend, Squires averaged 11.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
HATCHET JOB: Senior Rebekah Hatchard has started the last six games for the Bobcats and has averaged 10 points and four rebounds per game over that span. Hatchard recorded a career-high 17 points at North Dakota on Jan. 6, connecting on seven-of-10 from the field and three-of-three from the free throw line. She is currently shooting 35.1 percent from beyond the arc and has gone eight-of-19 from long distance in the last six games.
THROWING SHAIDE: Sophomore Madisyn Shaide saw four minutes of action against Sacramento State and posted one and two rebounds. The Missoula Big Sky grad has played in 10 games this season.
FAB FROSH: 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 41.8 percent from the field and is pulling down 3.4 rebounds per contest. She is currently second on the team with 18 blocked shots. Guards Tori Martell and Ashley Van Sickle have combined for 28 three-pointers and are averaging a combined six points per game. Each had 3 triples and a career-high nine points in MSU's win over Northern Arizona on Dec. 30.
BOZEMAN DOWNTOWN ASSOC.: MSU is shooting 36.5 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 9.8 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 150 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 166 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 tops in the league in 3-point field goal percentage defense (27.7)) and are third in blocked shots (70) and scoring defense (62.1), and fourth in rebound margin (3.0) field-goal percentage defense (39.0) and rebounds (653). So far this season, the Bobcats have held five teams to 50 points or less - Providence (31), Northern Arizona (39), Wyoming (46), MSU Billings (47) and Sacramento State (50).
THAT'S OFFENSIVE: The Cats are 9th in the nation averaging 9.8 3-pointers a game.
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