Courtesy of Boise State Athletics – 

MISSOULA, Mont. – Boise State women’s basketball fell victim to the high-octane from Montana, falling 92-66 in the first round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, Wednesday.

Natalie Pasco and Mya Hansen led the Broncos (21-14, 10-8 Mountain West) from the floor. Pasco netted a game-high 21 points while Hansen recorded 20 points, six rebounds and five assists assists.

Abby Muse scored the first four points of the contest, but the Lady Griz (23-9, 13-5 Big Sky) used an 8-0 run to grab an early 11-4 advantage. Montana used five 3-point field goals in the frame to stretch its lead 11, but the Broncos ended the quarter on a 10-2 run to trail 21-18 at the first break.

Boise State scored the first four points of the second stanza to briefly take the lead, but the Lady Griz responded with an 8-0 run to make the score 29-22. Montana extended the lead to 11 as the two teams exchanged baskets throughout the quarter. Hansen drilled back-to-back 3-pointers to end the half, as the Broncos trailed 46-39 at the break.

Montana opened the second half on a 9-0 run to take a 55-39 advantage. The Broncos continued the attack, with Pasco netting eight points in the quarter to help cut the lead to down to eight with 1:29 remaining. The Lady Griz scored four points in the final seconds of the frame to lead 72-60 with one to play.

The Lady Griz opened the final period with 10 quick points to take an 82-64 advantage. Boise State managed only six points in the quarter as Montana advanced to the second round.

Top Broncos
– Mya Hansen finished with 20 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. The sophomore shot 7-of-12 from the floor, 2-of-3 from beyond the arc and a perfect 4-of-4 from the line.
– Natalie Pasco netted 19 points, including three 3-pointers.
– Dani Bayes added 10 points off the bench.

Notables
– Abby Muse became the program’s single-season rebound leader with 293 rebounds. The previous record was held by Karla Meier, who pulled down 289 rebounds during the 1981-82 season.
– Natalie Pasco moved into third place in program history with 84 3-pointers on the year.
– Mya Hansen eclipsed 20 points in three of her last six games. The sophomore also netted 19 points against San Diego State.
– Hansen surpassed 20 in three of the six postseason games she has played in her career.
– Hansen dished out five or more assists for the sixth time this season.
– Pasco finished with 21 points, marking the sixth game this season the sophomore has surpassed 20+ points.

Quotables
“They shot incredible from three. It’s hard to stop that. We had a six-point third quarter and we can’t have that.” – head coach Gordy Presnell

“We played some pretty good basketball down at the Mountain West Tournament. I think we have a lot to build on. We have everyone but two players coming back. I feel good about our future.” – Presnell

“I really enjoy this group. They’re just a good group of kids and I really enjoy being around them. They’re an incredibly great group. We took a great step this year and I’m looking forward to taking another step next year.” – Presnell