Box Score
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Idaho State defeated Northern Arizona (6-14, 1-7 BSC) Saturday afternoon at the Rolle Activity Center off a strong defensive effort resulting in a 49-44 final decision. The Bengals improve to 6-0 in Big Sky action and 14-5 overall.
Idaho State struggled on the offensive side of the ball, shooting just 29.5 percent from the field, marking the seventh game of the season that ISU has shot under 32 percent from the field. The Bengals, however, have won three of those games including today's match-up against NAU thanks in part to ISU's strong defensive presence.
“Sometimes you have games like this when you don't shoot the ball very well, but you have to find a way to win and grind it out,” ISU Head Coach
Seton Sobolewski said. “The way we did it tonight was with our defense. We played fantastic second-half defense and held them to just 23 percent in the second half. We found a way to get it done and I am very proud of their effort today.”
Defensively, Idaho State held the Lumberjacks to a 31.6 percent shooting percentage and forced 19 turnovers. ISU only allowed NAU to make four shots from beyond the arc and only allowed NAU to attempt 15 total shots from that same range. Idaho State also recorded six steals and one block in the contest.
Junior guard
Kaela Oakes recorded her seventh straight double-digit scoring contest as she led the Bengals with 12 points. Oakes also recorded one rebound, four assists and one steal for ISU in 38 minutes of play.
Junior forward
Ashleigh Vella came close to recording her second double-double of the season as she posted 10 rebounds and nine points. Vella also recorded two assists, one block and a steal in 36 minutes of play.
“Vella did a fantastic job,” Sobolewski said. “She had six offensive boards and I can think of two or three occasions where she got the offensive board put back and it was in key moments when we needed a basket.”
While senior guard
Chelsea Pickering scored just eight total points, five of those points made a major impact in the game as Pickering hit a three-point shot with 3:44 left in the contest to give ISU a six-point lead. On the very next possession, Pickering drove in for a layup to extend ISU's lead to eight, helping to secure the ISU victory.
Sophomore forward
Cydney Horton also made a major impact as she pulled down nine rebounds and notched seven points, two assists and a steal in 25 minutes.
“
Cydney Horton did a fantastic job,” Sobolewski said. “She had a couple of big rebounds late in the game and had a fantastic pass down to [Ashleigh] Vella for the layup.”
The Bengals return to the hardwood against Northern Colorado Thursday, Jan. 26 in Greeley, Colo. Idaho State defeated the Bears 57-52 in Reed Gym in the last meeting between the two Big Sky foes. The game tips off at 7 p.m.
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