Basketball teams start strong at home

MSU basketball returned to the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse last week as both the men’s and women’s teams played their 2025-26 home openers.

Men’s basketball tipped off in Boulder, CO, losing a thriller to the University of Colorado Buffaloes 84-78. The game — in which the Buffaloes were favored by 11.5 points — had the fans of both schools on the edge of their seats. Senior guard Patrick McMahon erupted in a 24-point game, including 20 in the second half.

The ‘Cats played their home opener two days later against the Northwest Indian College (NWIC) RedHawks. MSU won 114 to 44. Sophomore guard Davian Brown was the highest and most efficient scorer with 26 points, six three-pointers and a shooting percentage of 83.

After the game, junior guard Jeremiah Davis said the team’s balanced scoring is part of what makes it special.

“I’m glad we were able to accomplish that this year and show everybody at Bobcat Nation that it’s not just a one-man show; it’s a team,” Davis said. The ‘Cats had 10 players score, including four in double digits.

The team shot 65 percent and 53 percent from three against NWIC and is shooting 58 percent and 46 percent on the season. These numbers are up from last year’s season, where the team shot 45 percent and 34 percent from three.

Davis said the team is taking their time with shots and creating opportunities for each other. “We are creating open shots for other people, other teammates, and that’s [where] opportunities are coming from.”

The women’s home opener against Carroll College (CC) Saints began with a ring ceremony in honor of the team’s success last season. The Bobcats are defending a Big Sky Conference title and a March Madness appearance. All the returning players and coaching staff received championship rings and banners were lowered from the rafters during the ceremony.

The ‘Cats went on to beat the Saints 93-41 in this game. Sophomore forward Addison Harris led scoring with 27 points on 75 field goal percentage. The team shot 41/77 compared to the Saints' 13/42. MSU outrebounded CC by 10, showing off their dominance on both sides of the ball.

The team then traveled to Portland, OR, on Friday to face the University of Portland Pilots. MSU moved to 2-0 after an 86-72 win.

Guard Taylee Chirrick led the team with 23 points on 80 percent shooting. The team’s 28 fast break points were 17 more than Portland’s and the ‘Cats feasted in the paint, scoring 54.

Last season, the women’s team had a 30-4 record and went 17-1 in Big Sky Conference play. Their season ended against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round of the March Madness tournament. They look to replicate that this season and possibly go further.

The men’s team went 15-18 overall and 9-9 in conference. Their season ended in the Big Sky Conference tournament against the University of Northern Colorado. This year, they aim to make it back to the March Madness tournament for the first time since 2023.

To learn more about men’s Basketball, visit https://msubobcats.com/sports/mens-basketball 

To learn more about women’s Basketball, visit https://msubobcats.com/sports/womens-basketball.