(Editor’s note: Montana State University press release)
OGDEN, U.T. – Weber State used a strong second quarter to build a 17-point advantage at halftime, and despite a career-high 24 points from senior Delany Junkermier, Montana State was never able to get itself back into the game as the Wildcats posted an 85-69 victory over the Bobcats on Friday night in the final regular-season contest for both squads.
Weber State (20-9, 12-6) out-scored Montana State (15-14, 9-9) 24-11 in the second frame as senior Larryn Brooks scored 14 of her game-high 26 points to pace the Wildcats.
MSU struggled in the opening 20-minutes shooting 24 percent from the field. Early in the second quarter, the Bobcats chipped the lead down to six points, but the Wildcats responded with a 12-4 run to build a double-digit cushion.
Weber State held a 39-22 advantage at intermission behind 40 percent from the field, including seven 3-pointers.
“The bottom line is that when we play great defense good things happen, but we haven’t found that consistency with our defense,” said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. “We couldn’t duplicate Wednesday’s energy.”
Junkermier went just one-of-six from the field in the first half, before exploding for 17 points on seven-of-nine from the floor in the final two quarters.
“I thought Delany (Junkermier) really competed and battled in the second half,” Binford said.
Sophomore Blaire Braxton had her best offensive night of the season matching a career-high 10 points. The product of Highlands Ranch, Colo., connected on five-of-nine shots. Also in double-figures for MSU was Oliana Squires with 10 points.
The Bobcats finished the game shooting 40 percent and out-rebounded Weber State 40-38. MSU was led under the boards by Squires and Rebekah Hatchard with six rebounds, apiece.
MSU will be the No. 7 seed in the Big Sky Conference Tournament and will face No. 10 seed North Dakota on Monday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. (MST) in Reno, Nevada.
“It’s a brand new season,” Binford said. “Starting Monday.”
