In a tightly contested NAIA women's basketball matchup on January 31, 2026, the Montana State-Northern women's team secured a hard-fought 75–70 victory over Bismarck State at the BSC Armory in Bismarck, North Dakota.

From the opening tip, both teams displayed tenacity and competitive fire. The Skylights struck first and maintained a narrow edge throughout much of the game, led by a balanced offensive attack and poised play in the clutch. Bismarck State kept pace, answering with spirited runs and standout scoring performances that kept the contest close until the final whistle.

Senior standout Kennedy Stormer led all scorers for Bismarck State with 30 points, consistently testing the MT defense and keeping her team within striking distance. Her offensive aggression helped spark several key BSC pushes and ignited the home crowd throughout the contest.

The Skylights scoring was well distributed. Lauren Gunn led the charge with 19 points, while Taya Trottier added 18 and Ciera Agasiva chipped in 15. The trio combined for momentum-shifting baskets late in the second half and proved decisive down the stretch.

Despite shooting struggles at times — particularly from beyond the arc — Bismarck State stayed resilient, closing to within five points in the final minutes and forcing Montana State-Northern to execute under pressure. MT's ability to limit turnovers and convert key free throws helped them withstand the late surge and secure the road win.

In the end, Montana State-Northern's balanced scoring and timely defense proved just enough to outlast a gritty Bismarck State squad in an exciting battle that featured lead changes, spirited individual efforts, and clutch plays in crunch time.

The Skylights move to 15-6 overall and 11-5 in conference. The Skylights will be at home the next weekend against Mayville State and Valley City.