Morales’ 30-Point Effort Puts Bobcats Atop Big Sky Standings

Saturday, January 11

Flagstaff, AZ

2 p.m.

Montana State University

14-2,4-0Big Sky

Northern Arizona

12-5,3-1Big Sky

Montana St.

Northern Ariz.

Esme Morales drives past NAU's Nyah Moran on Saturday afternoon in Flagstaff.

Photo by: Landon Johnson

Morales’ 30-Point Effort Puts Bobcats Atop Big Sky Standings

1/11/2025 8:35:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

“What can I say about our bench?” Binford said. “They came in and provided us an instant spark. I am so proud of the response our team showed after having a slow start.”

By: Tom Schulz

After a flat start that saw Northern Arizona take an 11-point lead in the opening ten minutes, Montana State ratcheted its defensive effort and senior Esmeralda Morales provided the offensive spark as the Bobcats turned the table on the Lumberjacks, en route to an 87-81 win at Findlay Toyota Court on Saturday afternoon.

The win gave Montana State (14-2, 4-0) is seventh consecutive victory and put the Bobcats atop the Big Sky Conference standings as the league's only unbeaten team.

"We came out flat," said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. "We were missing shots, and not forcing Northern Arizona into turnovers. NAU had one turnover in the first quarter."

Binford looked to Morales to ignite its offensive production in the second stanza, while the Bobcat bench triggered the defense. Morales opened the period with five consecutive points. Moments later the senior from Spanaway, Wash., converted a layup in the paint to cut the Northern Arizona (12-5, 3-1) lead to 22-19 at the 8:34 mark.

Following Morales's basket, the Bobcat defense took control led by Natalie Picton with three consecutive steals. Picton, along with Addison Harris, Taylee Chirrick, Taylor Janssen and Morales wreaked havoc over the next two minutes forcing the Lumberjacks into six straight turnovers.

A pair of Dylan Philip free throws gave the Bobcats a 34-29 cushion at the 3:35 mark. MSU entered intermission with a 41-38 advantage.

MSU's defensive effort forced Northern Arizona into eight turnovers in the second quarter, which produced 12 points. Morales ended the first half with a team-best 17 points.

"What can I say about our bench?" Binford said. "They came in and provided us an instant spark. I am so proud of the response our team showed after having a slow start."

MSU outscored NAU 30-16 in the second period.

Holding a 43-40 lead after a pair of free throws by NAU's Sophie Glancey at the 7:27 mark of the third quarter, MSU rattled off an 11-2 run as Philip, Janssen and Morales nailed back-to-back-to-back triples. A Marah Dykstra layup capped the run giving the Bobcats a 54-42 lead at the 5:42 mark.

Montana State built its largest lead of the contest at 73-60 following a steal and fastbreak layin by Katelynn Martin with 7:07 remaining. The Lumberjacks cut the margin to five points on four occasions down the stretch but would get no closer as the Bobcats finished out the game with Morales connecting on five-of-six from the free throw line in the final minute.

"I can go up and down our roster and highlight every player," Binford said. "We had four in double figures, and we had huge production from our bench. KJ (Martin) had an outstanding second half, Dylan was all over the place, and now we can celebrate the rest of the weekend. They earned a very tough weekend sweep. Then, it's back to the grind on Monday."

Morales finished with 30 points, going nine-of-17 from the field, four-of-nine from beyond the three-point arc, and eight-of-nine at the line. She also added five assists, five rebounds, and three steals.

"Esme (Morales) had an incredible performance," Binford said. "She had an MVP impact on the floor. Esme has a good sense for when to take over and getting her teammates involved."

Also, in double digits for the Bobcats were Philip 15, Martin 14, and Dykstra 10. Dykstra also hauled down a team-high eight rebounds as MSU outrebounded NAU 44-38.

For the game, Montana State shot 41.4% from the field, connected on 11-of-20 from long distance and was 18-of-23 at the line.

Glancey led the Lumberjacks with 21 points and 13 rebounds.

MSU hosts Idaho State, Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m., in Worthington Arena.