Bobcats extend postseason with WNIT invite

The MSU women’s basketball team continued its postseason run in historic fashion earlier this month. The squad earned an invitation to compete in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), with Bozeman’s Worthington Arena set to host the first two games of the Bobcats’ battle.

The WNIT began in 1998 and is the longest-running tournament aside from the NCAA’s March Madness. Unlike March Madness, the WNIT is hosted by Triple Crown and the bracket begins with 48 teams. Only teams that did not qualify for March Madness can be invited to play, according to the WNIT website.

Last month, the Bobcat men’s and women’s basketball teams traveled to Boise, Idaho, to compete in the Big Sky Conference tournament, which took place from March 7 to 11.

The men’s team opened play against the University of Idaho Vandals, but lost in the first round. The women’s team battled past tough competition — including the University of Montana Lady Griz — to advance to the championship game and face the Vandals.

The Bobcats fell short in this matchup and returned to Bozeman, while the Vandals punched their ticket to March Madness.

On March 15, the women’s team received a WNIT invitation, offering MSU a second chance to compete in postseason play after its loss in Boise. Sophomore guard Taylee Chirrick — otherwise known as “The Princess of Pillage” — reflected on the bid despite the disappointment in Boise.

“My mindset is that everything happens for a reason,” Chirrick said. “Obviously, we’re playing a lot further than the team that ended up winning, so just to get more games, it’s exciting.”

MSU earned a first-round bye in the tournament and prepared to face the winner of the matchup Utah Valley University Wolverines and the University of San Francisco Dons.

The Dons dominated the Wolverines on March 19, winning 80-50 and setting the stage for the Bobcats’ first WNIT game.

On Sunday, March 21, Worthington Arena was packed from the floor to the rafters with fans excited to see the Bobcats face off against the Dons. This would mark the latest date into the season that any MSU basketball team has played, as well as the latest date of a game hosted in Bozeman.

The score remained close throughout the match. Although San Francisco’s guard Candy Edokpaigbe led all scorers with 20 points, the MSU refused to let the Dons take over its home court.

Chirrick led MSU with 15 points and 9 rebounds, while junior forward Ella Johnson followed closely with 7 rebounds. The Bobcats secured a 69-53 victory and were ready to face whatever challenge the WNIT threw their way next.

On March 22, in Portland, the University of Portland Pilots played their first WNIT game against the Lamar University Cardinals, winning 78-68 and setting up the Super 16 matchup for the Bobcats.

Worthington Arena was packed once again on Thursday, March 26, with a crowd of blue and gold, ready to cheer on the ‘Cats. Portland’s defense came out strong in the first half, with guard Florence Dallow securing 7 rebounds. Dominant performances from Chirrick and forward Addison Harris kept MSU ahead. At the end of the half, the score was 35-21 Bobcats.

A Pilots scoring run in the second half brought Bobcat fans to their feet in anticipation. However, the ‘Cats remained level-headed, winning the game 72-54. Harris scored 23 points while Chirrick scored 17.

Harris emphasized the importance of playing in front of a home crowd. “It’s so cool to have that student support that we had tonight,” she said. “As a women’s basketball program, we won’t see that anywhere else in the conference. That’s truly something special about Montana State. We have the best home court advantage in the conference.”

On Sunday, March 29, the Bobcats traveled to the University of South Dakota to face the South Dakota Coyotes in the Great Eight. South Dakota’s Molly Joyce led scorers with 31 points and Chirrick led the Bobcats with 23. The ‘Cats fought hard, but were unable to follow through as the Coyotes won 65-56.

While the Bobcats’ postseason is officially over, this year’s historic run will be written into MSU history. “They’re just having so much fun,” Head Coach Tricia Binford said. “They’re very selfless, extremely humble but they’re super hungry.”