MISSOULA — Dani Bartsch had a dynamic begin and her Montana teammates helped stoke a first-half hearth that outlined Saturday’s dominant efficiency in opposition to Portland State.
A sophomore ahead from Helena, Bartsch’s tenacity has had a robust influence on each ends since being inserted into the beginning lineup this week. Her aggressive spirit has turn into contagious and it confirmed in an 88-56 blowout win over the Vikings in entrance of three,062 followers.
Bartsch had a double-double by the tip of the third quarter, scoring 14 factors and grabbing 10 rebounds in serving to her staff to a 52-30 benefit. Issues have been going so effectively for Montana that she did not even play within the fourth quarter.
“She simply completely performed superior,” Montana coach Brian Holsinger stated.
Bartsch’s influence was large in each wins this week, together with Thursday’s thriller over Massive Sky Convention frontrunner Sacramento State. A troublesome, gritty participant who pours as a lot effort into her protection as offense, she is quick turning into the straw the stirs the drink for Montana.
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Bartsch scored eight of Montana’s first 14 factors within the recreation, going 3 for 3 with two triples. She additionally had two steals within the opening minutes as her staff constructed a 27-19 edge within the interval. By halftime the sport was effectively in hand, with the hosts proudly owning a 52-30 lead.
“I hoped (Thursday night time) would propel us ahead and it did,” Holsinger stated. “I advised the gamers, ‘I do not care what the rating is, we’re simply making an attempt to be constant and play actually good basketball.’ We did on this recreation.”
“… We have had a distinct stage of focus. And we had confidence from three, which actually helps in opposition to a zone.”
Montana hit 13 of 26 photographs from behind the arc. Carmen Gfeller completed with 19 factors and eight rebounds, adopted by Bartsch with 14 factors and Sammy Fatkin 13.
Invoice Speltz is Missoulian Sports activities Editor and has served as Sunday columnist the previous 16 years. Do you might have a narrative concept? E mail Invoice at invoice.speltz@missoulian.com.