Box Score
BOZEMAN, Mont. – The Idaho State Bengals outscored Montana State 46-36 in the first half en route to a 74-63 road win over the top team in the Big Sky Conference Saturday afternoon.
Rebecca Schrimpsher scored a career-high 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range to lead the Bengals to the win.
Both teams shot well in the first half. Montana State was 12-27 (44.4 percent) from the field while ISU shot a blistering 15-29 (51.7 percent). The difference came from the 3-point line where the Bengals were 7-12 (58.3 percent) while MSU was 0-5.
The Bengals and Bobcats went shot-for-shot in the first half and ISU held just a 31-29 lead with 5 minutes and 43 remaining. Idaho State then went on a 15-4 run capped off by a Schrimpsher 3-pointer with 44 seconds left in the first half for a 46-33 lead.
Montana State finished the first half scoring with three Kalli Durham free throws to cut into the Bengals lead and set the score at the break at 46-36.
Schrimpsher went into the break a perfect 4-4 from 3-point range and 5-9 from the field.
Montana State came out of the locker room energized and cut the ISU lead to 47-44 on a free throw by Jackie Elliott with 16:30 remaining in the game.
The Bengals then slowly extended their lead back to eight (62-54) with 4:55 to play. Then ISU went on a 7-0 run. Anna Lee Polichiccio hit a jumper, a steal led to a layup by Schrimpsher and a 3-pointer by Polichiccio, assisted by Schrimpsher gave,¬ the Bengals a 69-54 lead over the Bobcats with 3:55 to play, their largest lead of the game.
The Bobcats cut the deficit to eight (71-63) on consecutive 3-pointers from Ausha Cole and Margareet Barhoum with 49 seconds remaining before the Bengals iced the game on free throws.
The win moves Idaho State to 4-4 in the Big Sky Conference while Montana State falls to 6-2.
Head coach
Seton Sobolewski can see his team growing in confidence over the last few games.
"The non-conference schedule was rough, but I feel we're gaining some momentum," Sobolewski said. "Our bench is playing great and we are building some confidence with these wins on the road."
Schrimpsher has been a big key in two wins during the week. The senior hit the game-winning field goal Monday against Weber State.
"I think her confidence has grown a lot," Sobolewski said. "When your coach has the confidence in you to give you a shot at the game-winner and you make it, it is going to make you feel good. She shot the ball really well today. She did a great job of showing up, being assertive and making shots."
The Bengal bench contributed 14 points against MSU, led by Polichiccio with seven and
Alissa Willard with five.
"I love what everyone coming off the bench has done for us," Sobolewski said. "I'm proud of this stretch. We won three out of four, with three on the road and one against the No. 1 team in the conference. It is huge for our confidence."
Sobolewski is quick to point out the Bengals are on high right not now, but the Bengals are yet to reach the halfway point in the Big Sky season.
"We feel good about this win. Montana State is a great team but we don't want to get carried away," Sobolewski said. "It's one win and we have to keep it in perspective, but it should help us build some confidence. This team is growing up."
The Bengals next host high-flying Sacramento State. The Hornets are near the top of the country in points scored and 3-pointers attempted.
The game will be at Reed Gym Thursday at 7 p.m.
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