Bobcat ballers before the Brawl

With only five games remaining in the season, the Bobcat basketball teams are fighting towards the finish to obtain the best possible standing for the looming Big Sky Conference Tournament. Both teams were active in the past week with games against Idaho State University (ISU) and Weber State University (WSU) on Feb. 14 and 16, respectively.

Women’s

The Cats hosted ISU looking to advance their record in the Big Sky Conference Standings. The Bengals came into the contest with an impressive 10-3 conference record. The Cats were in for a heavyweight fight and needed to get out to a strong start.

Unfortunately, MSU stumbled early and ISU was able to take advantage, building a 10-point lead heading into the second quarter. The Cats found their footing after the first quarter, but could not muster a run big enough to overtake the lead as the Vandals walked away with a 62-49 victory. Sophomore guard Tori Martell led the Cats with 12 points.

Next, the Cats welcomed the Wildcats to wrap up the week of play. WSU fell on hard times this year only mustering two wins in Big Sky play and a mere five overall. The Cats were able to put away the Wildcats en route to a 72-59 victory. Junior forward Madeline Smith had a career day, amassing an impressive 25 points to pace the Cats.

Next up:

The women’s team travels to Missoula on Saturday, Feb. 23 for the second meeting of the Brawl of the Wild. The Cats won the first meeting, easily handing the Griz a 74-52 loss back on Feb 2. The Cats own a 13-12 overall record and an 8-7 conference record, good for fifth in Big Sky Conference standings.

Men’s

The men were on the road this past week, traveling to Pocatello, Idaho to face the Bengals. With a star-studded team, the Cats are looking to fight their way to a top-three finish in conference before journeying to Boise for the Big Sky Conference Tournament.

The Cats found themselves in a dog fight to begin the game with a back-and-forth first half. The Cats ended up on the wrong side of a two-point advantage with the Bengals up 40-38. A second half surge saw the Cats outscore the Bengals by 10 to escape with an 84-76 victory. Junior guard Harald Frey collected 21 points and senior forward Keljin Blevins scored 20 in the win.

Next, the Cats journeyed to Ogden, Utah to face the Wildcats. The teams came into the game tied in conference for third, meaning the winner would move into sole possession of third place heading into the final three weeks of the season. The Cats came out strong and held a small margin at the half leading 40-39, but the Wildcats responded, outscoring the Cats by 13 in the second half to steal the victory 94-82. Senior guard Tyler Hall led the Cats with 25 points and Blevins ended the game with a double-double, 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Next up:

The men’s team will also make the trek over the Great Divide to Missoula to take on the Griz in the Brawl of the Wild. The Griz snuck away with a five point victory the last time the two met earlier in the year in Bozeman. The Cats own a 12-13 overall record and a 9-6 conference record good for fourth in Big Sky Conference standings.