In an impressive season opener, Montana State University (MSU) triumphed over Carroll College with a decisive 93-41 victory at Worthington Arena on Tuesday night. The Bobcats showcased a dominant performance that reflected their potential for the 2025-26 basketball season.
Standout Performer
Sophomore Addison Harris stole the spotlight by achieving a personal best of 27 points, displaying remarkable shooting accuracy. Harris converted 12 of her 16 field goal attempts and made 3 of 4 shots from beyond the arc. Her contributions were pivotal, particularly as she scored 11 points during the first quarter, setting the tone for the game.
Team Effort
In a testament to the team’s depth, MSU’s scoring was well-distributed, with seven players contributing to the scoreboard. Head coach Tricia Binford praised Harris’s performance, noting, “Addison had a phenomenal game. This is a kid that we’ve been seeing do great things since last spring. And she accomplished everything tonight in just 21 minutes.”
Game Overview
Montana State started strong, jumping to a quick 6-0 lead and extending it to 28-13 by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, they held a commanding 52-21 advantage, shooting 51.1% from the field. Joining Harris in double digits was Taylee Chirrick, who scored 12 points, further solidifying the team’s offensive efforts.
Bench Strength
The contributions from MSU’s bench were significant, with players like freshman Heidi Smith adding 16 points and Chirrick ultimately finishing with 19. Overall, the bench accounted for a notable 34 points, reflecting the team’s strong collective performance.
Defensive Dominance
The Bobcats maintained their momentum in the second half, achieving a field goal percentage of 56.3%. Defensively, they were relentless, forcing 37 turnovers and achieving 20 steals throughout the game. Freshman Jamison Philip led the team with five steals, showcasing the squad’s commitment to defensive strategy.
Rebounding and Future Matchup
In terms of rebounding, MSU edged Carroll College with a 39-29 advantage. Freshman Kadynce Couture led the team with a game-high nine rebounds. Looking ahead, Montana State will face Portland on Friday at 7 p.m. (MT), where they aim to continue their strong start to the season.
