WBB: Bengals Hold On To Edge 'Cats

By Matt Gittins, ISU Sports Information

BOZEMAN, Montana – The Idaho State women's basketball team (7-7, 2-1) held off a late rally from Montana State to pick up a 65-62 victory Thursday night in Bozeman.

Jasmine Lemon's free throw gave ISU a 63-60 lead with 11 seconds remaining but MSU's Peyton Ferris was fouled behind the line with just three seconds left to earn three foul shots and a chance to tie the game. 

The sophomore guard connected on her first two attempts before missing the final offering. Rebecca Schrimpsher made two free-throws on the other end and the Bobcats final heave did not connect.

"I am really happy with our effort to come back and win," Head Coach Seton Sobolewski said.  "We had a lot of people in foul trouble but we kept enough people in the game to play well and finish it.  We played hard and found a way to win."

The Bengals limited the 'Cats to just 34.4% from the field (21-61) in the game including only 25% (8-32) in the second half.

"Our players stepped up and made enough plays," Sobolewski said. "They did a great job of moving their feet and contesting shots. I was really happy with our defense in the second half. I thought we did a great job of making them take tough shots."

Apiphany Woods scored a game-high 16 points while Katrina Bacovcin scored a career-high seven points off the bench.

"She (Bacovcin) did a really great job tonight," Sobolewski said. "She did the same type of thing against Idaho where she came up with some really big buckets when we needed them."

The victory marked the first time this season ISU has won a game when being outrebounded (49-40).

The Bengals continue their Montana road trip when they travel to Missoula on Saturday to take on the Grizz.  Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. from Dahlberg Arena.

"Montana is usually the toughest place to play in the conference. They are always Top 25 in attendance and they are very confident and comfortable at home," Sobolewski said. "I think a reflection of that is how well they did in the WNIT last season when they beat Washington State at home. They've got a hall of fame coach who is a great leader who knows what his teams need to do to win. He knows how to lead them and guide them that way."