Lady Griz fall by 12 to No. 24 Cougars

Tuesday, November 14

Missoula, Mont.

7 PM

Montana

0-2

Washington State

4-0

Washington St.

Montana

Photo by: Tanner Ecker/University of Montana

11/14/2023 10:13:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Montana Sports Information

A cold shooting night, Bella Murekatete and a slow start to the second half did in Montana's chance to knocked off a ranked opponent on Tuesday night at Dahlberg Arena in Missoula.

The Lady Griz (0-2) shot 33.9 percent and Murekatete led No. 24 Washington State with 22 points and 11 rebounds as the Cougars improved to 4-0 with a 61-49 victory.

In Montana's season opener against Gonzaga, the offense put up 70 points but the defense couldn't hold down the Bulldogs, who scored 83 points.

On Tuesday night, Montana held the Cougars to their lowest output of the season but couldn't take advantage, struggling from the 3-point line (4 for 19) and even the free throw line (5 for 10).

"We're still figuring out this team. This team has a bunch of great pieces. We have not put the puzzle together yet," said coach Brian Holsinger. "We'll do that. That's our job as coaches."

Carmen Gfeller led Montana with 10 points but they came on 4-of-16 shooting. Montana's starters shot just 30.4 percent.

"I was a little surprised at how we shot it," said Holsinger. "I felt like we got some really good looks. We got good shots most of the game.

"You have to give credit to them. They are very good defensively. There is a reason they are where they are."

It was a 30-25 Washington State lead at the half before the game's defining stretch, the first five minutes of the third quarter when the Cougars extended their lead to 43-31.

Washington State's lead, which reached 19, remained in double figures the final 15 minutes of the game.

Murekatete scored 14 points in the third period as Washington State shot 9 for 17 while outscoring Montana 21-10.

"For most of the game, it was right there. All it takes is one quarter like that," said Holsinger. "That was really the game.

"For whatever reason, we came out flat (to start the second half.) You can't come out flat against a really good team and they are a really good team. You have to come out focused, attentive."

MJ Bruno scored six of her eight points in the second half on 3 of 5 shooting. With the team's perimeter game not dialed in, Bruno scored her points on aggressive takes to the basket.

"She's tough. She's a warrior. She has brought a lot to our team," said Holsinger. "I'm so proud of her. She's attacking and doing some really good things."

Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw and Gina Marxen both hit a pair of 3-pointers and matched Bruno with eight points.

Dani Bartsch grabbed 11 rebounds, the 11th game of her career with 10 or more, and Gfeller added nine as Montana finished with a 44-39 rebounding advantage.

Seventeen of those rebounds came on the offensive end but Montana was only able to convert them into five second-chance points as Washington State had nine blocks and forced 19 turnovers.

"We forced it a few times down low," said Holsinger. "If they are taller than you, drive and kick. Those things we'll execute better. We have to execute with better tempo, which we'll improve on."

Muredatete added three assists and three steals. Charlisse Leger-Walker, All-Pac-12 her first three seasons as a Cougar, added 19 points on 7-of-23 shooting.

Montana plays at Grand Canyon (2-0) on Monday at 6 p.m. in Phoenix. The Lopes host Oregon on Thursday night before facing the Lady Griz next week.