A challenging road ahead
Montana State University’s women’s basketball program has released its 2026‑27 schedule, a slate that features 14 home contests, 10 non‑conference matchups and a full 20‑game Big Sky campaign.
Coach Tricia Binford, who has guided the Bobcats to back‑to‑back 27‑win seasons, said the schedule is designed to test the team early and keep it prepared for the rigors of postseason play.
The roster returns 10 players, among them Big Sky MVP Taylee Chirrick and first‑team All‑Big Sky selection Addison Harris, while four newcomers add depth and versatility.
The non‑conference portion includes high‑profile opponents such as Iowa, Oregon and a Florida classic that will pit the Bobcats against several teams that finished the previous season with 20 or more wins and four that earned NCAA tournament berths.
The season opens on November 2 with a home game against Black Hills State, and it will culminate with the Big Sky Championship in Boise, Idaho, scheduled for March 5‑10.
Binford emphasized that confronting strong competition is essential for building the confidence and execution needed for March Madness.
Key matchups and tournament outlook
Games against traditional rivals and emerging powerhouses alike will provide a measuring stick for a squad that aims to extend its recent streak of success.
Fans can expect a lively atmosphere at Worthington Arena, where the home schedule is packed with rivalry games that often decide conference seeding.