BILLINGS, Montana – Montana State University Billings (MSUB) women’s basketball team secured a decisive victory over Western Oregon University on Saturday, , with a final score of 85-48. The game, played at Alterowitz Gymnasium, saw Rae Smart lead the scoring with 17 points.
The win comes as part of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) schedule, a collegiate athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. The GNAC historically operates in the northwestern United States, extending to Alaska, Montana, and even British Columbia, Canada, making it unique as the only NCAA conference with a Canadian member university.
According to available information, the MSUB men’s basketball team also experienced success recently, upsetting No. 11 Saint Martin’s University 77-71 on the road, marking the conference-leading Saints’ first GNAC loss of the 2025-26 season. They followed this victory with an 84-74 win against Western Oregon.
The GNAC was formed in 2001 when ten members split from the Pacific West Conference. Currently, the conference comprises ten institutions, a number slated to decrease to nine in 2027. Member universities include the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Central Washington University, Concordia University, Montana State University Billings, Northwest Nazarene University, Saint Martin’s University, Seattle Pacific University, Simon Fraser University, Western Oregon University, and Western Washington University.
The conference headquarters are located in Portland, Oregon. The GNAC fields 16 men’s sports and 8 women’s sports, offering a broad range of athletic competition for its member institutions. The conference’s commitment to athletic excellence is reflected in the recognition received by its athletes and teams, such as Montana State Billings outfielder Luke Reinschmidt, who was a first-team selection by both the NCBWA and D2CCA.
The recent success of MSUB’s basketball programs highlights the competitive nature of the GNAC. The conference provides a platform for student-athletes to showcase their talents and compete at a high level within the NCAA Division II framework. The GNAC also emphasizes academic achievement, with student-athletes regularly recognized for their performance both on and off the court.
The GNAC’s geographical diversity, encompassing institutions from multiple states and a Canadian province, contributes to its unique character. This broad reach fosters a sense of regional competition and collaboration among member universities. The conference’s commitment to inclusivity is further demonstrated by its inclusion of Simon Fraser University, the only Canadian university in any NCAA division.
The conference’s commissioner, David Haglund, has been in his role since 2011, providing leadership and guidance to the GNAC. Under his direction, the conference has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of collegiate athletics. The GNAC’s focus on student-athlete welfare, academic integrity, and competitive excellence positions it as a prominent force within NCAA Division II.
The victory for the MSUB women’s team, coupled with the strong performance of the men’s team, underscores the growing athletic prowess of Montana State University Billings within the GNAC. The university’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for its student-athletes is evident in their recent successes. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their momentum and contend for conference championships.
The GNAC’s presence extends beyond the athletic arena, with the conference actively engaging with the community and promoting its member institutions. Through various initiatives, the GNAC strives to foster a positive impact on the region and enhance the overall student-athlete experience. The conference’s dedication to its core values ensures its continued success and relevance within the collegiate athletic landscape.
