BOZEMAN, Mont. (Interstat) — A critical late-season Big Sky Conference women’s basketball showdown is set for Saturday when the Montana State Bobcats host the Idaho State Bengals at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. Both teams enter with strong overall records, but with different recent trajectories. Montana State (18-6) rides a three-game winning streak, including a decisive 72-55 road victory over rival Montana on Feb. 14. The Bobcats boast one of the league’s top defenses and are 10-1 at home this season. Idaho State (17-8), meanwhile, looks to rebound from a 50-65 home loss to Idaho on Feb. 14 that snapped a five-game winning streak. The Bengals will draw confidence from their 79-60 home win over these same Bobcats just last month on Jan. 22. The matchup features two of the conference’s standout players. For Idaho State, guard Kacey Spink has been a consistent force, averaging 11.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists over her last seven games. She scored 20 points in a win at Northern Colorado on Feb. 7. Montana State counters with forward Ella Johnson, who is coming off a dominant 17-point, 6-rebound, 2-block performance in the win at Montana. Her interior presence and efficiency will be key against a physical Bengals frontcourt. With the conference tournament approaching, the game carries significant weight for seeding. Montana State will aim to protect its home floor and avenge January’s loss, while Idaho State seeks a resume-boosting road win to solidify its standing. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. MST on Saturday, Feb. 21.