Murekatete and Leger-Walker lead No. 24 Washington State women past Montana 61-49

MISSOULA, Mont. — Bella Murekatete scored 14 of her 22 points in the third quarter, Charlisse Leger-Walker added 19 points and No. 24 Washington State beat Montana 61-49 on Tuesday night.

Washington State (4-0) won at Montana (0-2) for the first time since 1979, snapping a 13-game losing streak.

Murekatete was 6 of 8 from the field in the game-changing third quarter compared to Montana’s five made field goals. The Cougars outscored the Lady Griz 21-10 in the frame for a 51-35 lead.

Murekatete also grabbed 11 rebounds for a double-double and Eleonora Villa added 10 points for Washington State (4-0).

The Cougar defense forced 11 turnovers, blocked three shots and recorded six steals in the first half to help build a 30-25 lead. The Lady Griz finished with 19 turnovers.

Carmen Gfeller scored 10 points for Montana, which also lost to Gonzaga.

Washington State continues a five-game road stretch with a Sunday matchup at Prairie View A&M. The Cougars head to the Cancun Challenge in Mexico next week. Montana plays at Grand Canyon on Monday.

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