On the evening of March 3, 2025, the Montana State Bobcats secured their first outright Big Sky Conference regular season title since the disrupted 2019-20 season with a decisive 67-54 victory over the Idaho Vandals. This triumph marked not only the culmination of the regular season but also showcased the Bobcats’ resilience, especially coming off the heels of their first loss after 19 consecutive wins just two days prior against Sacramento State.
Coach Tricia Binford expressed pride and relief after the game, noting, "We got back to our championship habits. This team responded to Saturday's loss more than I could ask for, and it was great to get our identity back. We hadn't been ourselves defensively." Binford's strategy was apparent as her team regrouped effectively, displaying tenacity and focus against Idaho.
The game didn't begin in Montana State's favor. The Vandals took command early, jumping to a 16-11 lead after the first quarter, shooting at an impressive 53.8% clip. But the Bobcats adjusted quickly. By ramping up their defensive intensity, Montana State stifled Idaho’s offense, reducing them to just 22.2% shooting from the floor during the second quarter.
Montana State made their move with a spirited 7-0 run at the beginning of the second period. Key contributions came from Katelynn Martin and Esmeralda Morales, who combined to score 18 points during the third quarter alone. Martin, who finished the game with 18 points, displayed versatility with six successful field goals including two from long distance, and eight rebounds. Coach Binford remarked, "We were intentional in getting KJ (Martin) involved offensively. We needed the ball in her hands. She was outstanding; scoring, rebounding and being the versatile athlete she is." Morales added her own 15 points to the scoreboard, cementing their efforts as they took control of the game.
Montana State headed to the locker room at halftime with a slight edge of 25-22. Their offense flourished during the third quarter, shooting 66.7% (8-of-12) from the field, hitting 66.7% (4-of-6) from three-point range, and going perfect from the free-throw line (5-of-5). This onslaught culminated as Montana State concluded the quarter with the momentum, able to stretch their lead to 50-42.
Despite Idaho's attempts to claw back, getting within six points multiple times during the fourth quarter, the Bobcats sealed the victory with determined plays. A pivotal three-pointer from Taylor Janssen followed by Morales’ offensive putback gave Idaho no chance to recover, finalizing the score at 67-54.
With the win, Montana State capped off the regular season with remarkable stats: they now hold a record of 27-3 overall and 17-1 within the Big Sky Conference. This achievement not only secured them the No. 1 seed heading to the Big Sky Conference Tournament but also set the framework for the team's ambitions. The Bobcats will compete against either Northern Colorado or Portland State on March 9, 2025, at the Idaho Central Arena.
This victory stands out not just for the title it brought but for the resilience showcased by the Bobcats. They have established themselves as one of the most formidable teams, boasting the longest active road win streak (11) within NCAA Division I, and now set their eyes on the tournament and potential postseason opportunities.
For Bobcat fans, the excitement is palpable as they celebrate the season's successes, particularly the team's historic 27 wins, the most for the program. Montana State’s performance, driven by leaders like Katelynn Martin and Esmeralda Morales, combined with the strategic guidance of Tricia Binford has redefined this season as one for the books, promising more thrilling encounters as they vie for the championship title.