Montana
Montana State women hammer Northern Colorado, cruise into Big Sky semifinals
BOISE, Idaho — The cardinal rule to beating Montana State this season? Don’t turn the ball over.
Easier said than done, obviously. Northern Colorado was the latest to fall victim to MSU’s pressure Sunday at the Big Sky Conference women’s basketball tournament at Idaho Central Arena.
The Bobcats, who rank No. 1 in Division I in steals per game and No. 5 in forced turnovers per game, scored 37 points off 26 UNC giveaways in a 92-60 quarterfinal victory.
Photos: Montana State women defeat Northern Colorado at Big Sky Conference tournament
With a quick start, top-seeded Montana State (28-3) advanced to the tournament semifinals where it will face either Weber State or Idaho State on Tuesday at noon.
“We’re so excited for our team,” said MSU freshman Taylee Chirrick, who again helped lead the defensive charge. “To get a fast start just makes us want to continue that and keep it rolling, because it makes it super fun.”
Bobcat postgame: Coach Tricia Binford, players discuss quarterfinal win over UNC
A 3-pointer by Natalie Picton at the 3:48 mark of the first quarter put the Bobcats ahead 19-0 and MSU was well on its way.
Northern Colorado scored its first points on a free throw by Aniah Hall at 3:11 of the first, and the Bears’ first field goal didn’t come until London Gamble converted a layup at the 2:02 mark.
MSU led 29-7 at the end of the first after Big Sky MVP Esmeralda Morales beat the buzzer with a 3-pointer, a hole far too great for the Bears to climb out of.
“We just didn’t value the basketball and it got out of control pretty quickly,” Northern Colorado coach Kristen Mattio said.
Still, the Bears crawled within 11 points at 36-25 on a 3 by Gamble midway through the second as the Cats got a little too sloppy with the ball. But Montana State stabilized and went into halftime with a 20-point advantage, 48-28.
MSU’s lead grew to as much as 37 points in the second half, and the Bobcats mitigated 24 turnovers of their own by proving again to be too fast and too efficient for an opponent.
The Cats put five players in double figures, led by Katelynn Martin’s 16 points. Picton and Taylor Janssen each had 14.
Chirrick added 12 points and seven steals. Morales finished with 10 points and seven assists. The Bobcats shot a sizzling 64% from the field.
Northern Colorado, which topped Portland State 53-50 in the first round on Saturday, exits the tournament with a 14-17 overall record. The Bears last won the Big Sky tourney in 2018.
The Bobcats are seeking their first tournament championship since 2022 and are chasing the fourth tourney crown in program history. MSU’s 28 wins are an extension of its single-season school record.
“I’m really proud of how we came out start to finish,” said Montana State coach Tricia Binford. “Our energy, our defense … this team does not (care) who we’re rotating.
“Everybody has been ready to give us a huge impact. We had five kids in double digits. Just really proud of this group. We came ready to go today.”
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 8, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 8 drawing
08-32-52-56-64, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 8 drawing
11-14-28-30-41, Lucky Ball: 11
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 8 drawing
07-10-32-33-35, Star Ball: 03, ASB: 02
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Dec. 8 drawing
18-19-22-24, Bonus: 10
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
MISSOULA, Mont. — The last drawing for a guided bison hunt on the Blackfeet Reservation is coming up Jan. 5, and hunters can still purchase chances for $10 each. There’s no limit on how many chances an individual can buy.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says the lottery is part of its ongoing partnership with the Blackfeet Tribe to support shared fish and wildlife management and expand hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities across the state.
The drawing is open to all hunters — tribal members and nonmembers, Montana residents and nonresidents. Those selected will be guided by Blackfeet Fish and Game buffalo program staff and can choose the animal they want to harvest. Successful hunters will have a three-week window to complete the hunt, starting the day after the draw, and may keep the bison’s head, hide and meat.
Entries can be submitted at fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply, or purchased through a license provider or any FWP office. For more information, contact the Blackfeet Fish and Game office at 406-338-7207 or the FWP tribal liaison at 406-750-3574.
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The Montana State Bobcats advanced to the next round of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs on Saturday after a 21-13 win over the Yale Bulldogs.
Bobcats running back Julius Davis had a heated exchange with head coach Brent Vigen and teammate Takhari Carr as they walked off the field.
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Running back Julius Davis of the Montana State Bobcats stiff-arms safety Jaylan Wesley of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome on Oct. 4, 2025, in Flagstaff, Arizona. (Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
The ESPN broadcast showed Davis meeting with a Yale player on the field as Vigen tried to direct him toward the locker room. Davis didn’t appear to appreciate what Vigen was doing, and he was quick to slap the coach’s hands away from his shoulders.
Carr came over to cool down the situation, but Davis eventually pushed him away. Vigen and Davis had more words for each other. The running back appeared to get emotional as he tried to state his case to Vigen.
Davis apologized for the moment in a statement on his social media.
DUKE UPSETS VIRGINIA IN OVERTIME TO CLAIM ACC TITLE, POSSIBLY SHAKING UP CFP PICTURE
Head coach Brent Vigen of the Montana State Bobcats looks up at the scoreboard during a timeout in the Oregon Ducks game at Autzen Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)
“ESPN misconstrued a moment in our previous game, I was not smack talking the Yale players. I was actually dapping up a former teammate of mine from Wisconsin. I want to sincerely apologize to my teammates and my coach for my actions. In the heat of the moment, I let my emotions get the best of me and reacted in a way that was unacceptable,” Davis’ statement read. “Arguing the way I did was wrong, and I take full responsibility for it. Coach Vigen and I already talked, no one outside of this team understands our relationship and how much respect I have for him.”
“I also understand that my reaction was seen by many, and I’m truly sorry for the example it set. I hold myself, my team, my coaches, and the game itself to a high standard, and I didn’t reflect that in my behavior. I’m committed to learning from this moment, handling my emotions better, and showing the respect and professionalism that my teammate, my coach, and everyone watching deserves. Thank you for holding me accountable, I will be better moving forward.”
Davis had a touchdown in the third quarter of the win over Yale.
Julius Davis of the Montana State Bobcats leaps over cornerback Quentin Moten of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks on his way to scoring a touchdown at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome on Oct. 4, 2025, in Flagstaff, Arizona. (Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
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Montana State will play Stephen F. Austin in the quarterfinals.
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