Big Sky Conference

Vandals shoot lights out, bury Bobcats

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BOZEMAN — On a night when Montana State broke its all-time mark for most three-pointers in a season, it was Idaho that stole the show from long distance connecting on 17-of-32, en route to a 95-77 win over the Bobcats on Thursday night in Worthington Arena.

From the start both squads traded jabs each hitting four triples in the opening 10-minutes. Idaho (14-10, 10-3) used an 11-5 run at the midway mark of the second quarter to build a 46-40 advantage at intermission.

Idaho guard Mikayla Ferenz (21) drives on Montana State guard Rebekah Hatchard (30)/by Brooks Nuanez

“They were able to break away a little in the second quarter by hitting the open shots, and then they took it at us with their penetration,” said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. “We struggled to protect each other, defensively.”

The Vandals were unstoppable in the third frame connecting on 63.2 percent from the floor, including 66.7 percent from beyond the arc converting eight-of-12 attempts. UI outscored Montana State (13-12, 7-7) 34-19 over the 10-minute period.

“Idaho is too efficient of a team to not give a whole 40-minute effort,” Binford said. “They are a team that you almost have to play perfect defense against and they really exploited us.”

Idaho junior Mikayla Ferenz continued to solidify her MVP case with a 29-point performance that included seven made 3-pointers in 10 attempts. She finished 9-of-13 from the floor and added seven rebounds and seven assists. She has now hit 94 3-pointers this season and is averaging 22.8 points per game. She’s shooting 42.3 percent from beyond the arc and 47.7 percent overall. She’s shooting 51.1 percent in league play and is dishing out 4.4 assists per outing.

The Bobcats were able to cut a 25-point deficit down to 86-72 with 4:11 remaining following a Delany Junkermier free throw, but MSU would get no closer.

Junkermier led MSU with 17 points, while senior Hannah Caudill 11, freshman Tori Martell 11, and sophomore Madeline Smith 10 also hit double-figures.

Montana State guard Tori Martell (2) drives on Idaho forward Geraldine McCorklell (31)/by Brooks Nuanez

For the game, the Bobcats connected on 14-of-33 from three-point range to give them 248 triples on the season setting a MSU record. The old mark of 245 three-pointers was set last season.

MSU finished shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from behind the three-point line. Idaho hit at a 56.5 percent clip, including 53.1 percent from long range

The Vandals also held a 36-31 advantage under the boards. Junkermier led MSU with six rebounds.

The Bobcats will close out its 2017-18 home season when it hosts Eastern Washington on Saturday at 2 p.m. MSU will celebrate three seniors, Junkermier, Caudill and Rebekah Hatchard prior to the opening tip.

Press release courtesy of Tom Shulz – Montana State Sports Information. Photos by Brooks Nuanez. All Rights Reserved. 

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