### Montana State Bobcats Triumph Over Northern Arizona Lumberjacks in Big Sky Conference Opener The Montana State Bobcats secured a significant victory against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, winning 77-68 in their Big Sky Conference opener. This match showcased the impressive performance of Jed Miller, who led the Bobcats with 22 points, contributing to their overall record of 8-7. Meanwhile, the Lumberjacks fell to 6-9, with Isaiah Shaw leading their scoring efforts with 18 points. The game was held at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman, Montana, marking a strong start for Montana State in conference play [https://apnews.com/article/arizona-jed-miller-christian-king-isaiah-shaw-college-basketball-12c2ca3473cc404e9f2d156aa38427a6]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - Montana State Bobcats defeated Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 77-68. - Jed Miller scored 22 points, with Christian King adding 18 points and nine rebounds. - Isaiah Shaw led Northern Arizona with 18 points, supported by Kavon Bradford with 12 points. 2. **Team Performance** - The Bobcats improved their record to 8-7, while the Lumberjacks dropped to 6-9. - This victory marked Montana State's second consecutive win in the Big Sky Conference, having previously defeated Northern Colorado [https://www.montanasports.com/college/montana-state-bobcats/montana-state-men-handle-northern-arizona-77-68-start-big-sky-play-2-0]. 3. **Player Highlights** - Jed Miller's performance included five 3-pointers, showcasing his shooting ability. - Christian King’s contribution of nine rebounds was crucial in maintaining possession and controlling the game tempo. ### Statistical Insights and Performance Metrics - **Scoring Breakdown:** - Jed Miller: 22 points (5 three-pointers) - Christian King: 18 points, 9 rebounds - Isaiah Shaw (Northern Arizona): 18 points - Kavon Bradford (Northern Arizona): 12 points - **Team Records:** - Montana State Bobcats: 8 wins, 7 losses - Northern Arizona Lumberjacks: 6 wins, 9 losses ### Conclusion: A Strong Start for Montana State in Conference Play In summary, the Montana State Bobcats demonstrated their strength in the Big Sky Conference with a solid win over the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. **Key takeaways include:** 1. **Jed Miller's Leadership:** His 22 points were pivotal in securing the victory. 2. **Team Dynamics:** The Bobcats showed effective teamwork, particularly in rebounding and shooting. 3. **Future Implications:** This win positions Montana State favorably as they continue their conference schedule, aiming for a strong season ahead. The Bobcats' performance sets a positive tone for their upcoming games, as they look to build on this momentum [https://wtop.com/ncaa-basketball/2026/01/miller-scores-22-montana-state-downs-northern-arizona-77-68].