Lady Griz Return Home on Three-Game Winning Streak
The Montana Lady Griz women’s basketball team is currently on a three-game winning streak and aims to climb the Big Sky Conference standings. They will be hosting Portland State and Sacramento State at Dahlberg Arena this week.
Upcoming Games and Schedule
The Lady Griz will face the Portland State Vikings on Thursday at 7 p.m. and then take on the Sacramento State Hornets on Saturday at 2 p.m. This matchup against the Hornets is particularly notable as it marks the team’s annual N7 game.
Current Record
- Lady Griz Record: 6-13 overall, 3-5 in Big Sky Conference
- Portland State Record: 5-14 overall, 1-6 in Big Sky Conference
- Sacramento State Record: 10-10 overall, 4-3 in Big Sky Conference
Recent Achievements
Last week, the Lady Griz achieved their first back-to-back wins of the season with victories over Northern Arizona and Weber State, followed by an overtime win against Idaho State. This winning streak is significant as it marks the first time in nearly a year that the team has experienced a three-game winning streak.
- Wins over Northern Arizona (4 points), Weber State (1 point), and Idaho State (3 points).
- Montana has won four consecutive games decided by five or fewer points.
Individual Performances
Avery Waddington was crucial to the victories, scoring 20 points against Weber State and contributing all 10 points in the fourth quarter. Rae Ehrman also made a significant impact, scoring a career-high 21 points against Idaho State, marking the most points for a true freshman in Montana since last season.
Draya Wacker played a key supporting role, helping secure the overtime win with a strong performance alongside Ehrman. Both players scored a combined 36 points off the bench, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Lady Griz squad.
What Lies Ahead
After this week’s home games, the Lady Griz will travel for road games against Eastern Washington and Idaho. The team will aim to maintain their current momentum and further improve their conference standing.
Matchup Insights: Portland State and Sacramento State
Portland State Overview
- Current coach: Karlie Burris
- Key player: Kyleigh Brown, averaging 18.6 points per game.
- Recent performance: One win in their last seven games.
Sacramento State Overview
- Key player: Benthe Versteeg, the Big Sky Preseason MVP.
- Leading scorers: Rubi Gray (15.0 points), Natalie Picton (12.8 points), and Versteeg (11.3 points).
- Recent performance: Lost seven of their last eight games but showed strong early-season form.
Final Thoughts
With their winning streak, the Montana Lady Griz are looking to capitalize on their momentum in the upcoming matchups. Fans can catch the games live on ESPN+ and via radio on KGRZ.
