POCATELLO, Idaho – A Slow second quarter doomed the Bengals as Idaho State fell to the University of Hawaii 58-46 Saturday afternoon in Honolulu.
The Bengals Shot just 29.2 percent from the floor as the Rainbow Wahine hit 42.9 percent of their three-pointers to seal the win over the Orange and Black.
How it Happened
After the final buzzer sounded, one stat was the difference maker in the Bengals' loss to Hawaii. While ISU hit 19 field goals compared to Hawaii's 15. Hawaii made 11 three-pointers compared to the Bengals' 4
Idaho State played three-quarters neck and neck with the Rainbow Wahine that, following the box score, was only a +2-score difference for Hawaii through 30 minutes, but the 2
nd quarter is where Hawaii extended its lead, which would hold for the remainder of the contest.
After finishing the first quarter with a two-point ball game between the two programs, the second was a different story. With 8:07 to play in the first half,
Maria Dias hit a jump shot to cut the Hawaii lead to 16-13. The Bengals would then miss their next 18 field goal attempts. While Hawaii was not shooting well, the Bengal drought allowed the Rainbow Wahine to extend the lead to 10+, a lead they would hold for the remainder of the game.
Coming out of the locker room, the Bengals played with much-improved energy and determination, hitting 43.3 percent from the field and knocking down three more three-pointers.
Sophia Covello and Dias led the Bengals' charge, both scoring seven points.
The Bengals could not close the gap though and Hawaii held on for the win over the Orange and Black
Notes
- The Bengals 1-of-19 2nd quarter shooting slump is the worst shooting quarter in program history since the NCAA moved women's basketball to the quarters system
- Nika Lokica made the first three-pointer of her career with 1:02 to play in the 3rd quarter
- The Bengals had a season-low 10 turnovers against Hawaii. This is greatly improved on the 20./per game that the Orange and Black had been averaging.
- The Bengals outrebounded Hawaii 37-34, the Bengals have only had a negative rebound margin in two of their six games.
- The Bengals only had six free throw attempts in comparison to Hawaii's 18 during the game
- ISU outscored the Rainbow Wahine 20 to six in the paint and 12 to three on second chance points.
- Kacey Spink had four steals in the game, one shy of the season high for the Bengals in 2023-24.
Up Next
The Bengals have one final game of the Rainbow Wahine Showdown in Honolulu. Tomorrow, November 26, 2023 Idaho State faces off against Air Force at 5:30 PM MT. Live Stats will be available during the game and link can be found of the schedule page at ISUBengals.com
