THE MATCHUP
Montana State took a four-game winning streak into its final non-conference contest of the season at No. 5 Arizona. The Wildcats entered the game riding a 71-game home winning streak and an 10-1 overall record that includes wins over No. 17 San Diego State (87-70), No. 10 Creighton (81-79), No. 14 Indiana (89-75) and No. 6 Tennessee (75-70).
THE RESULTS
Montana State trailed 59-52 with 10 minutes to play before Arizona went on a definitive 13-3 run to extend the lead to double digits. And the Wildcats never looked back, extending their home win streak to 26 games, tied for the third-longest home winning streak in the nation, with an 85-64 win. Arizona overcame 42 percent shooting because MSU missed 21 attempts from beyond the 3-point line and went 13-of-22 at the free throw line.
THE STANDOUTS
Jubrile Belo, the reigning Big Sky Conference MVP, scored 11 of his team-high 18 points in the first half, shooting 5-of-6 before halftime to keep the Bobcats within striking distance. He finished 7-of-8 from the floor and added a team-high six rebounds. Raequan Battle missed all seven of his 3-point attempts but fought his way to finishing with 17 points as MSU finished its non-conference with a 7-6 record.
The ‘Cats missed all 11 of their 3-point attempts in the second half and finished just 3-of-24.
Six Wildcats, including all five Arizona starters, finished in double figure scoring. Kerr Kriisa scored 18 points to lead the way for the hosts. He hit six 3-pointers in nine attempts.
BOX SCORE
SOCIAL MEDIA
WHAT’S NEXT
Montana State opens Big Sky Conference play on December 29 against Idaho.
