Nov. 17, 2006
Box Score
Logan, UT--Despite a career high 33 points from Natalie Doma and 25 more from Andrea Lightfoot, Idaho State dropped an 85-83 heartbreaking decision to Utah State Friday night at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The Bengals drop to 0-2 on the season and continue road play on Sunday at Nevada.
"Our starters played very hard tonight," said ISU head coach Jon Newlee. "We were in a great position at the end of the game to take control of the game, but didn't get it done. It's a tough loss to take."
Utah State's Taylor Richards connected on a pair of free throws with 2.9 seconds remaining to give the Aggies a two point lead. Lightfoot then missed a shot from the corner at the buzzer.
After falling behind 41-33 at halftime, Idaho State battled back to take a 65-59 lead with 10 minutes remaining in the second half. Utah State then went on a run to tie the game at 71 with just over six minutes remaining. There were then four lead changes over the final six minutes of play, including the pair of free throws that secured the win for USU.
Doma scored her career high 33 points on 14-of-16 shots from the field. The junior center also pulled down six rebounds in 38 minutes of play. Lightfoot connected on 8-of-14 shots from the field, including a 4-of-6 clip from beyond the arc for 25 points. Freshman Devin Diehl also reached double figures with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting. She also hit three shots from long range.
"I thought Natalie and Andrea had a great game," Newlee said. "Natalie was balanced and strong around the rim. She got good position and had a nice shot selection. Andrea got into a good rhythm and kept it the entire game."
Idaho State's starters each played 35 or more minutes in the game. Aralee Smith came off the bench to score two points in four minutes of play, while Oana Iacovita collected two points in seven minutes.
"Our bench didn't show up tonight," Newlee said. "Someone needs to take the initiative and step it up. We're looking for someone to be able to come in and give us some good minutes."
The Bengals committed 24 turnovers in the game--the most turnovers in a single game in over year by Idaho State. Utah State capitalized on ISU's turnovers with 27 points.
As a team, ISU shots an impressive 60.8 percent (31-of-51) from the field, including a 50 percent (8-of-16) clip from long range. Utah State hit 41.5 percent of its shots from the field and 25 percent from beyond the arc. The battle of the boards was even at 32.
Idaho State continues road play, travling to Reno to face Nevada on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on 91.1 FM KISU radio. The broadcast is also available on the internet at www.isubengals.com.
