MONTANA STATE-NORTHERN COLORADO BOXSCORE (pdf)
A new look was exactly what the Montana State women’s basketball team was searching for following a disappointing loss to Northern Arizona on Thursday night and a heart-to-heart team meeting on Friday.
And, on Saturday night, the Bobcats welcomed a new focus in more ways than one.
Leading Northern Colorado 8-4 at the 15:37 mark of the opening stanza, the game was delayed due to drops of water falling on the court from the upper reaches of Worthington Arena.
Following a respite of over one hour, the game was moved into Shroyer Gym, where Bobcat senior point-guard Erica Perry led an energized MSU squad to a 75-54 victory over UNC.
“It was certainly an interesting situation,” said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. “I have to thank Northern Colorado and our fans for being flexible and getting the game played.”
Perry led Montana State (10-11, 3-5) with a team-high 20 points, connecting on seven-of-12 from the field. She also added four rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Also in double-figures for MSU were Rachel Semansky 15, Sarah Strand 13 and Katie Bussey 12.
“Erica has been the leader of this program ever since she’s been here and after our loss to Northern Arizona, we really needed her to step-up and take control,” Binford said. “She answered our call in a big way and really set the standard for this win.”
The Bobcats opened play in Shroyer Gym taking an 18-8 advantage at the 8:16 mark on a Strand layup. However, Northern Colorado (9-12, 2-6) scored nine unanswered points to pull to within 18-17 with 5:30 remaining in the half.
MSU closed out the first stanza on a 15-8 run to stake a 33-25 advantage at intermission.
In the second half, MSU built its largest lead of the game at 72-48 with 3:06 left on a pair of Jamie Thornton free throws.
For the game, the Bobcats shot 48 percent from the field, including 56 percent in the second half.
UNC was led in the loss by Lauren Oosdyke with a game-high 24 points.
MSU will travel to Idaho State on Friday, Feb. 5