Johnson's sharp-shooting sparks Bobcats past Lady Griz

Ella Johnson scores career-high 17 points as Montana State cruises to victory over Montana

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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MISSOULA, Montana — Ella Johnson, a junior forward for the Montana State Bobcats, had a career-high 17 points, including three 3-pointers in the first half, to lead her team to a 72-55 victory over the Montana Lady Griz in a Big Sky Conference women's basketball matchup. The Bobcats, known for their high-pressure defense, were able to control the game from start to finish despite Montana's efforts to slow the pace.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the continued dominance of the Montana State Bobcats over their in-state rivals, the Montana Lady Griz, in women's basketball. The Bobcats have now won 15 of the last 17 meetings between the two teams, showcasing their ability to adapt and overcome different defensive strategies employed by Montana.

The details

Ella Johnson, a 6-foot-3 junior forward, had a breakout offensive performance, scoring a career-high 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field, including three 3-pointers in the first half. The Bobcats' high-pressure defense forced 18 turnovers by the Lady Griz, although Montana was able to limit the Bobcats' transition scoring compared to their previous matchup. Montana State shot 50% from the field and 41% from 3-point range to control the game.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 15, 2026 in Missoula, Montana.

The players

Ella Johnson

A 6-foot-3 junior forward for the Montana State Bobcats who scored a career-high 17 points in the game, including three 3-pointers in the first half.

Tricia Binford

The head coach of the Montana State Bobcats, who praised Johnson's performance and her team's ability to respond to Montana's runs.

Addison Harris

One of Montana State's leading scorers this season, who finished with 15 points and expressed pride in Johnson's offensive output.

Nate Harris

The head coach of the Montana Lady Griz, who acknowledged his team's slow start and the Bobcats' ability to hit key shots.

Avery Waddington

A sophomore for the Montana Lady Griz who scored 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 39 minutes of play.

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What they’re saying

“We are so proud of her. She works so hard. She's in the gym 24/7. She deserves to have game like these. She deserves it. She gets us fired up. We bring our own energy and we are cheering each other on. It's super special. Super proud of her.”

— Addison Harris, Montana State player (skylinesportsmt.com)

“The game gets really hard when you don't start playing the right way until 17 minutes into it. I thought that we started slow. It's been our thing the last few games and we have to do a better job of getting off to a better start with some intensity.”

— Nate Harris, Montana Lady Griz head coach (skylinesportsmt.com)

What’s next

The Montana State Bobcats will look to continue their strong conference play and keep pace with Idaho in the Big Sky standings, while the Montana Lady Griz will aim to rebound and find a way to start games with more intensity.

The takeaway

This game showcased the continued dominance of the Montana State Bobcats over their in-state rivals, the Montana Lady Griz, in women's basketball. Ella Johnson's breakout offensive performance and the Bobcats' ability to respond to Montana's runs highlighted the team's maturity and growth, which will be crucial as they chase their sixth regular-season Big Sky title under head coach Tricia Binford.