Montana State Basketball Faces Elimination
Montana State basketball was eliminated from the Big Sky Conference men’s basketball tournament after a narrow 78-74 loss to the Idaho Vandals on March 8, 2026. This defeat is particularly significant as Montana State entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed, while Idaho was the No. 7 seed.
The game was tightly contested, featuring eight ties and 11 lead changes, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams. A pivotal moment occurred when Isaiah Brickner made a driving layup, giving Idaho a 63-61 lead with just over five minutes remaining in the game.
Montana State managed to pull back within two points at 68-66 with 1:40 left on the clock, thanks to a crucial basket by Patrick McMahon. However, the Bobcats struggled in the final stages, experiencing a challenging 1-for-7 shooting stretch that ultimately hindered their chances of victory.
With this loss, Montana State’s record now stands at 18-14 for the season. In contrast, Idaho improved to 19-14 and advanced to the Big Sky semifinals, where they will continue their pursuit of the championship.
The game took place at the Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho, a venue that has hosted numerous significant matchups in college basketball. Prior to this tournament clash, Montana State and Idaho had split their regular season encounters, adding an extra layer of intensity to this elimination game.
As the tournament progresses, the future remains uncertain for Montana State basketball. The team will need to regroup and assess their performance as they look ahead to the next season.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes to the coaching staff or player roster as the Bobcats reflect on their season.