MSU women shut down Bison

BOZEMAN — The Montana State Bobcats defense held North Dakota State to just 26 percent shooting and forced 16 turnovers as they defeated the Bison 65-45 Wednesday at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in women’s basketball in the Big Sky-Summit League Challenge.

Madison Hall scored 17 points and Katelyn Limardo added 12 for the Bobcats (8-6).

Abbie Draper led North Dakota State (6-7) with 13 points and Abby Graham added 12 more as the only players in double figures for the Bison.

The Bobcats jumped out quick against the Bison taking an 11-2 lead in the first five minutes of the game. 

Montana State would continue their hot start into the second, taking a 23-7 lead on a Limardo basket. North Dakota State would try to cut into the deficit, later in the quarter a Heaven Hamling three made it 31-20 in the final minute of the second quarter.

Out of the halftime break the Bobcats defense stepped up to break this one open, holding North Dakota State to just five points in the third, all coming from the foul line. 

In the fourth quarter Marah Dykstra extended the Montana State lead out to 54-25, the largest of the night.

Next up for the Bobcats is a trip to take on South Dakota State in their second game of the Big Sky-Summit League Challenge on Saturday.