Nov. 30, 2004
Box Score
Pocatello, ID--Molly Hays and Monika Marekova each scored 18 points, while three others reached double-figure scoring as Idaho State cruised to a 93-73 win over UC Irvine Tuesday night at Reed Gym.
With the win, Idaho State improved its record to 2-3 overall. UC Irvine falls to 0-2 on the season.
"We started the game strong tonight," said ISU head coach Jon Newlee. "We were doing all the right things. We made the extra pass when we needed to and we got open shots. I was happy with the way we played offensively."
After leading 47-37 at the half, UC Irvine got two within five points, 59-54 with 12:19 left in the game, but ISU responded with a 15-2 run to take a 74-56 with 6:52 left in the game. Idaho State then continued to build its on its lead to secure the victory.
"We didn't let down," Newlee said. "I thought we did a great job of forcing them into turnovers. It's great to look at the box score and see everyone involved. We just don't have one or two shooters, everyone gets involved and can shoot the ball."
Idaho State forced UCI into 25 turnovers on the night as the Bengals tallied an impressive 16 steals. The Bengals scored 30 points on UC Irvine turnovers.
As a team, Idaho State shot 49 percent from the field and 59 percent from beyond the arc. Idaho State hit an impressive 20-of-21 free throws on the night for 95 percent.
Hays scored her 18 points on 6-of-9 shots from the field. She hit 6-of-7 shots from the charity stripe. Hays also tallied five rebounds, three assists, and four steals in the win. Marekova also added 18 points, connecting on 5-of-10 shots from the field, 4-of-9 nine from three-point range.
Marekova also recorded five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Andrea Sivakova, Natalie Doma, and India Soo each scored 11 points.
After being tied 8-8 just four and a half minutes into the game, Idaho State went on a 15-2 run to take a 23-10 lead at the 12:18 mark. The Anteaters cut the lead to just two points, 39-37 with 1:50 remaining in the half, but Idaho State then used an 8-0 in the final 1:50 to take a 47-37 lead into the half.
Idaho State continues play at home on Thursday against Southern Utah at 7:05 p.m.
