Bobcat Defense Swarms Hornets

Thursday, January 30

Sacramento, CA

7:30 p.m. (MT)

Montana State University

19-2,9-0Big Sky

Sacramento State

10-11,3-5Big Sky

Montana St.

Sacramento St.

Esmeralda Morales recorded a game-high 17 points in MSU's 67-45 win at Sacramento State on Tursday night.

Photo by: Courtesy Sacramento State Sports Information

1/30/2025 10:19:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

“Defense was the difference,” said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. “Once we got the defense going, then we were able to get the hot hands going. I thought KJ (Katelynn Martin), Esme (Morales) and Marah (Dykstra) really settled in and helped us create some separation.”

By: Tom Schulz

Montana State got off to a slow start shooting just 12.5% from the field in the first quarter but used its signature defense to ignite its offense in the second period to cruise to a 67-45 win over Sacramento State on Thursday night in The Nest.

"Defense was the difference," said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. "Once we got the defense going, then we were able to get the hot hands going. I thought KJ (Katelynn Martin), Esme (Morales) and Marah (Dykstra) really settled in and helped us create some separation."

It took almost five minutes for Montana State (19-2, 9-0) to get on the board as Natalie Picton connected on a three-pointer at the 5:20 mark. MSU held a 7-5 advantage after the opening ten minutes.

Martin, Morales and Dykstra combined for 17 points in the second frame, and Morales's triple as time expired gave the Bobcats a 26-15 lead at intermission.

"Esme is a key ingredient," Binford said. "She has a knack for understanding the situation and getting the job done."

Sacramento State (10-11, 3-5) opened the third quarter on a Katie Peneueta triple, but the Bobcats responded with a 7-0 run highlighted by five points from Martin. MSU built its largest lead at 65-42 on an Addison Harris layup with 1:24 remaining.

Morales led all scorers with 17 points, including three 3-pointers. Martin notched 16 points going 5-of-9 from the field and 4-of-6 from long distance, while Dykstra recorded 13 points.

The Montana State defense forced 28 miscues by the Hornets which resulted in a 29-11 advantage in points off turnovers. It was the 13^th time this season MSU has forced its opponent into 20 turnovers or more.

Freshmen Harris and Taylee Chirrick guided the Bobcats under the boards with six rebounds apiece. Harris also finished with six points and two assists, while Chirrick ended with five points, four assists and four steals.

Madison Butcher paced Sacramento State with nine points.

The victory keeps the Bobcat atop the Big Sky Conference standings and moves its consecutive win streak to 12 games.

MSU plays at Portland State on Saturday at 3 p.m. (MT).