Montana State University
6-12,1-4Big Sky
Idaho State
7-8,2-2Big Sky
Cats Suffer 70-67 Setback at Idaho State
1/16/2025 9:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Montana State charges into late lead in Pocatello, but can't hang on as Bengals rally
POCATELLO, Idaho -- Montana State men's basketball erased another double-digit deficit but couldn't find a big play late, suffering a 70-67 setback to Idaho State on Thursday night in Pocatello at Reed Gym.
The Bobcats (6-12, 1-4) trailed by 14 points with 12:48 to play at 56-42 before roaring back with another big run characteristic of similar comebacks this season.
Over the following nine minutes, Montana State scored 24 of the game's next 30 points to take a 66-62 lead with 3:14 to play after Tyler Patterson knocked down his sixth triple of the night.
However, the 'Cats were unable to convert on another made field goal for the rest of the night, with Idaho State (7-8, 2-2) rallying to snap an 11-game losing streak to Montana State and grab their first win in the series since 2018.
All five of Montana State's Big Sky Conference games this season have been decided by five or fewer points.
"Offensive and defensive execution is what it comes down to," head coach Matt Logie said. "We worked really hard to get a four-point lead. If we had taken care of some business earlier and executed what we had sought out to, maybe that four-point lead is a seven or eight-point lead. At the end of the day you have to get good shots down the stretch and we're not doing that right now. We've got to find guys that can help us do that and we need some guys to step up, bottom line."
Tyler Patterson knocked down six triples to finish with a season-high 18 points and three rebounds. The six threes tied a career-high for the graduate student who has played more games in a Montana State uniform than any other Bobcat in history, matching his six against Incarnate Word in 2021 and his six against Long Beach State in 2023.
Brandon Walker also recorded 18 points, adding three rebounds.
The duo were the only Bobcats to finish in double-figures.
"When you go 12 for 30 in the paint, it's very difficult to win when your defense isn't quite where it was on Saturday to give up 47% from the floor," Logie said. "You've got to be a little bit better on offense and finishing plays or you've got to be really, really dialed on defense—and we're coming up short on both sides."
Bryce Zephir scored nine points off the bench to highlight another strong effort from the reserves.
Sam Lecholat scored five points and snagged a team-high seven rebounds, while Jed Miller added six points and four boards.
UP NEXT
Montana State heads to Ogden, Utah, on Saturday for a date with Weber State (7-11, 1-3) at the Dee Events Center.
Tip is set for 7 p.m.
The game will be streamed on ESPN+, with live radio play-by-play airing on the Bobcat Sports Network.
#GoCatsGo
