Montana

Montana State women hammer Northern Colorado, cruise into Big Sky semifinals

Published

10 months ago

March 9, 2025

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.”

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Montana

Montana Lottery Lucky For Life, Big Sky Bonus results for Jan. 8, 2026

Published

12 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

05-12-13-39-48, Lucky Ball: 13

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

05-15-20-28, Bonus: 16

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.

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Montana

Montana minimum wage increases to $10.85 | Explore Big Sky

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Montana minimum wage increases to .85 | Explore Big Sky

By Micah Drew DAILY MONTANAN

With the start of the new year, Montanans on the lowest end of the pay scale will get a small boost as the state’s mandatory minimum wage increase goes into effect.

As of Jan. 1, Montana’s minimum wage increased from $10.55 to $10.85.

Stemming from a 2006 law, Montana’s minimum wage is subject to a cost-of-living adjustment, based on the national increase in the consumer price index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to state law, Montana businesses not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act are those whose gross annual sales are $110,000 or less may pay $4 per hour.

Montana is one of 30 states — plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands — that have a minimum wage higher than the federal rate of $7.25.

Twelve states, plus D.C. adjust their wages annually based on set formulas.

Montana has one of the lowest minimum wages that exceeds federal levels, with only West Virginia coming in lower among states at $8.75. The highest minimum wage is in D.C., at $17.25.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 7, 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 7, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

15-28-57-58-63, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

05-14-15-21-39, Lucky Ball: 10

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

03-18-25-45-50, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

05-09-12-15, Bonus: 02

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

28-41-50-61-68, Powerball: 05

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Montana Cash numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

09-11-13-16-40

Check Montana Cash 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.

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.

Source link