Big Sky Conference

Explosive 2nd half leads MSU women to win at Sac

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The Montana State women’s basketball team out-scored Sacramento State by 22 points in the second half en route to a convincing 104-82 win over the Hornets, Saturday afternoon.

Montana State (19-6, 12-3) had five players in double-figures, led by its two seniors Peyton Ferris and Riley Nordgaard with 25 points, apiece. Also in double-digits were sophomore Annika Lai 11, freshman Madeline Smith 11 and junior Rebekah Hatchard, with a career-high 10 points.

“I really thought the difference for us in the second half is that we made the extra pass,” MSU head coach Tricia Binford said as her team moved within one victory of a second straight 20-win campaign. “We were a little rushed in the first half. When you look and see 28 assists, you know you were able to play at your pace, get a good look at the basket and knock down shots.”

Tied at 42-all at intermission, MSU broke away from a one-point advantage at the 6:32 mark with an 8-0 run and held an 11-point cushion heading into the final frame. The Bobcats used a 14-1 run midway through the fourth quarter to secure the win.

The key to MSU’s second half came from under the glass, as well. MSU held a one-rebound advantage in the first half, but finished the contest with a commanding 61-39 margin under the boards. Freshman Blaire Braxton pulled down a career and game-high 14 rebounds, while Nordgaard posted her seventh double-double of the year grabbing 11 caroms.

Stay with the ‘Cats & the Griz at Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada March 5-12

Stay with the ‘Cats & the Griz at Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada March 5-12

“Keeping them to one possession and out was what we talked about at halftime,” Binford said. “Owning the glass and protecting each other was our focus.”

MSU’s bench also came up big for the Bobcats, producing three double-figure scorers and 34 points.

“Sac State can run teams out of the gym,” Binford said. “That’s when your bench needs to come up big. Against that style of play you need fresh legs and good energy. I thought Rebekah did a fantastic job and really affected the game defensively. She does a great job staying in front of people.”

For the game, MSU shot 51.4 percent from the field and went 20-of-24 at the line. The Bobcat defense held Sacramento State (9-16, 5-9) to 33.3 percent from the floor, including 11-of-54 from beyond the arc.

Tiara Scott led the Hornets with 25 points.

Montana State will host Montana on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. in Worthington Arena.

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