Jan. 11, 2007
Postgame Video
Box Score
Cheney, WA--Natalie Doma scored a game-high 23 points and Andrea Lightfoot added 22 as Idaho State opened Big Sky Conference play on the road with a 90-60 win over Eastern Washington. ISU will continue play on the road as the team now travels to face Big Sky newcomer Northern Colorado on Jan. 13.
With the win, Idaho State improves to 5-8 overall, 1-0 in Big Sky play. Eastern Washington falls to 6-10 on the season, 1-2 in league play. The Bengals have now won five of their last seven games.
"We were doing all the things we have worked on in practice," said ISU head coach Jon Newlee. "We didn't rush our shots, we handled their press, and we found the open player. I think our tough road schedule has helped prepare us for this kind of game."
Idaho State took control of the contest from the opening tip, outscoring Eastern Washington 14-4 over the first five minutes. The Bengals then continued to build on that lead, taking a 30-51 lead into halftime. The Bengals then extended the lead to 37 points, 87-50, with 5:46 to play before securing the 30-point victory.
Doma recorded her fifth straight double-double with 23 points and 15 rebounds. The junior center connected on 7-of-13 shots from the field and hit 8-of-11 free throws in just 25 minutes of play. Lightfoot scored 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including a 3-of-5 mark from long range. She also pulled down seven rebounds and dished out a game-high six assists.
"Our confidence is extremely high right now," said Lightfoot. "We have improved and we are ready for conference play. It has been our goal all season long to be prepared for Big Sky play and we are."
Jeni Boesel also reached double digit scoring with 16 points with four made three-point field goals. Kaylynn Fager came off the bench to tally 12 points. Fager, who leads the nation in three-point field goal percentage, knocked down three shots from beyond the arc.
The Bengals hit 11 three-point field goals in the game, marking the sixth game this season that the team has recorded 10 or more threes in a single game. ISU recorded a 46.3 clip from the field on the game, including a 36.7 percent mark from long range.
ISU outrebounded Eastern Washington 51-47. The Bengals forced EWU into 20 turnovers, resulting in 24 ISU points.
Sydney Benson led Eastern Washington with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Idaho State continues road play this week as the team travels to take on Big Sky newcomer Northern Colorado on Jan. 13. Tip-off is set for 7:05 p.m.
