(Editor's note: Montana State University media release)
BOZEMAN – Montana State out-scored Montana State-Northern 20-3 in the opening quarter and cruised to a 93-34 victory on Sunday afternoon in Worthington Arena.
Montana State (3-0) had six different players score in the opening 10-minutes paced by Tori Martell with seven points, including two 3-pointers.
The Bobcats built its lead to 47-8 at intermission.
In all, four Bobcats hit double-figures led by its backcourt tandem of Darian White and Oliana Squires, who each posted 14 points. Martell finished with 12 points, while Madeline Smith recorded her first double-double of the season with 11 points and ten rebounds.
“We’re still trying to build that third quarter, but I thought we played a more complete game,” said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. “We’re trying to take the next step with our defense as far as having great energy and intensity, but also without putting teams at the foul line.
“I loved how we came out the gate,” Binford added. “We did a nice job sharing the basketball and we did a much better job taking care of the ball at a much better rate and that was one of our points of emphasis, so I’m really pleased with that.”
Montana State-Northern used the game as an exhibition and were led by McKenzie Gunter with 20 points, including a 14-15 showing at the free throw line.
For the game, MSU shot 49.3 percent from the field, while holding the Skylights to 19%. The Bobcats also held a dominating 54-23 advantage under the glass. Aside from Smith’s double-figure total, also contributing under the glass was Kola Bad Bear with a season-best nine boards.
Montana State will hit the road for the first time when it travels to Brookings, S.D. on Thursday, Nov. 21 to face South Dakota State, before finishing out the week at Minnesota on Saturday afternoon.
