Jan. 12, 2006
Box Score
Sacramento, CA--Danica Boyce scored a career-high 21 points and Natalie Doma added 19 as Idaho State opened Big Sky Conference play with a 79-76 win over Sacramento State in California. The Bengals now head to Flagstaff, Ariz., to continue league play against Northern Arizona on Saturday at 6:05 p.m.
The Bengals improve to 7-8 overall, 1-0 in Big Sky play. The loss is the first at home this season for the Hornets, who fall to 5-8 overall, 0-1 in league play.
"It's a big win for us," said ISU head coach Jon Newlee. "To come out on the road against a much improved Sacramento State team and beat them on their own court is a great way to start conference play."
Tied 68-68 with 5:16 left to play, Jeni Boesel connected on a shot from beyond the arc, sparking an 8-2 run for the Bengals, who took the lead 79-70 with two minutes to play. The Hornets then scored six unanswered points to cut the lead to three, and had two opportunities to tie the game, but couldn't connect as ISU took the win.
"I thought our execution down the stretch was admirable tonight, especially on the road," Newlee said. "I was proud of the way we fought off their pressure and stayed composed enough to pull out the win."
Idaho State, playing without Chelsey Chambers (13.7 ppg., 7.4 rpg.), found its scoring from Boyce, who tallied her 21 points on 6-of-7 shots from the field, including 5-of-6 from long range. The freshman forward was also a perfect 4-of-4 from the charity stripe. Boyce also collected six rebounds in the game.
Doma, who sat most of the second half because of foul trouble, recorded all 19 of her points in the first half on 8-of-14 shooting. Doma helped on the boards with six rebounds.
Joanna Hixon had an impressive night, collecting 10 points with nine rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block. Michelle Grohs and Jenna Brown came off the bench to score nine and eight points respectively.
"Everyone contributed tonight," Newlee said. "Without Chelsey (Chambers) in the lineup, we knew that everyone was going to have to step up and pick up the pieces. Everyone did their part tonight."
Idaho State shot 48 percent from the field, which included a 10-of-26 clip from beyond the arc. The 10 three-point field marks the sixth game this season in which ISU has recorded 10 or more threes in a game.
Sacramento State was just as impressive on the night, hitting on 47 percent of its shots from the field. The Hornets also put in 10 three-pointers on 26 tries. Ashley Cadotte led the Hornets with 16 points, while Kim Sheehy added 15. Stephanie Cherry and Lindsey Heard each put in 14.
"Sacramento State is a great team," Newlee said. "They are well-coached and have a lot of talent. They are going to make some noise in the Big Sky this season. They are mature and have a lot of experience."
The Bengals out-rebounded Sacramento State 40-31, including a 16-13 advantage on the offensive glass.
Idaho State continues Big Sky play Saturday night at Northern Arizona. The game, which was to be played at 7:05 p.m., will begin an hour earlier at 6:05 p.m. (MST).
