The Montana State University women’s basketball team will advance to the Super 16 round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament after achieving its first-ever postseason victory, according to a March 24 announcement. The Bobcats are set to face the University of Portland on Thursday at Worthington Arena in Bozeman, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Bobcat Athletics website, and ESPN+ will provide streaming coverage.
This advancement marks a significant milestone for Montana State’s program as it continues in national competition. The team holds a season record of 25-7, while their upcoming opponent, Portland, finished their season with an 18-14 record—the same as San Francisco, whom Montana State defeated last Sunday by a score of 69-53.
Montana State earned an automatic bid into the WNIT following its loss to Idaho in the Big Sky Conference Tournament final. After receiving a first-round bye, they secured their historic postseason win against San Francisco in the second round. The tournament features a total of 48 NCAA Division I teams this year. Following the Super 16 round, subsequent rounds include the Great Eight from March 28-30 and Fab Four from March 31-April 1; the championship game is set for April 4 at a location yet to be determined.
Live stats for Thursday’s game will be available on the Bobcat Athletics website. Radio coverage can be accessed via Bobcat Sports Radio Network and The Varsity Network. Social media updates are planned through Instagram at @MSUbobcatsWBB.
Montana State University leads research funding within Montana with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. The university enrolls about 17,165 students split evenly between residents and nonresidents according to its official website, and ranks among the top five percent of global universities per rankings from the Center for World University Rankings according to its official website.
As Montana’s land-grant institution based in Bozeman, MSU emphasizes research, education and outreach efforts aimed at improving lives and addressing challenges across communities according to its official website. Its programs extend beyond academics into volunteerism and environmental enhancement initiatives that serve both state residents and broader audiences.