Preview: Idaho State at Montana Women’s Basketball MISSOULA, Mont. (Interstat) — A Big Sky Conference rematch with postseason implications is set for Thursday when the Idaho State Bengals visit the Montana Lady Griz at Dahlberg Arena. Idaho State (17-8 overall) enters firmly in the conference title chase, while Montana (7-17) looks to play spoiler and replicate its earlier victory over the Bengals. On Jan. 24 in Pocatello, Montana edged Idaho State 70-67 in overtime, a result that adds intrigue to this quick turnaround. The Bengals aim to rebound from a 65-50 home loss to Idaho on Feb. 14, which snapped a five-game winning streak. Guard Kacey Spink has been a consistent catalyst for Idaho State. Over her last eight games, she is averaging 12.1 points and 4.4 assists per contest, including a 20-point, 5-rebound, 4-assist effort in a win at Northern Colorado on Feb. 7. Montana has struggled lately, losing four of its last five, including a 72-55 defeat to rival Montana State on Feb. 14. The Lady Griz will lean on guard Avery Waddington, who was instrumental in the first meeting with Idaho State, logging 41 minutes with 11 points, 5 assists and 4 blocks. She also scored a season-high 31 points in a win over Portland State on Jan. 29. The matchup pits one of the conference’s top teams against one seeking to build momentum for the future. Idaho State’s defense, which has held opponents under 70 points in 12 of its 17 wins, will be tested by Waddington and a Montana squad familiar with pulling off an upset in this series. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST Thursday at Dahlberg Arena.