Montana State’s women’s basketball team lost to Idaho 60-57 in the Big Sky Conference Championship game in Boise on March 11. The Bobcats erased most of an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter, but their comeback was not enough as Idaho secured its first conference title since 2016.
The outcome is significant for both teams. Idaho will represent the Big Sky Conference in the upcoming tournament, while Montana State finishes its season with a record of 25-7. Ana Beatriz Passos Alves da Silva led Idaho with 12 points and Debora Dos Santos contributed 10 rebounds. The Vandals built leads of at least nine points during each of the final three quarters and relied on strong shooting early, entering the fourth quarter having made more than half their shots.
“Congrats to Idaho on the great season they have had,” said Montana State coach Tricia Binford. “They’re gong to represent the Big Sky really well in the Big Sky Tournament.” Binford also discussed her team’s offensive challenges against Idaho’s defense: “Obviously you’ve got to hit some outside shots,” she said. “We started screening off a little bit. (Idaho’s defense) clogs up the paint, it’s hard to get downhill, and they did a great job with that the second time around. We didn’t have enough answers for that today.”
The Bobcats struggled from the field, shooting just 35 percent overall and exceeding that mark in only one quarter. Their three-point shooting helped keep them close late in the game, but Idaho’s defensive strategy limited Montana State’s ability to score inside.
Despite falling behind by double digits multiple times, Montana State continued to fight back throughout the contest. “This team has fought all year long,” Binford said. She credited her players’ resilience: “Obviously you’ve got a sense of urgency with the situation at hand. Our kids are never out of a dogfight… As long as there’s time on that clock they’re going to keep competing.” After several key baskets late in the fourth quarter brought Montana State within one point, missed opportunities and defensive plays by Idaho sealed their victory.
Binford expressed pride in her team’s performance over the season: “I think they’ve had a very consistent season all year. They relentlessly fight on every single possession. I couldn’t be more proud.” Taylee Chirrick led Montana State with 12 points, while Jamison Philip and Brianne Bailey each added eight.
