POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State women's basketball showcased poise and balance on both ends of the floor Saturday night, earning a 67–55 win over Grand Canyon in front of more than 3,000 fans at Global Credit Union Arena.
The Bengals set the tone early with a composed start in a charged atmosphere. Piper Carlson opened the scoring on a transition layup off a Sophia Covello assist, and Tasia Jordan followed with back-to-back baskets as Idaho State jumped ahead 6–2. Grand Canyon tied the game twice in the opening minutes, but the Bengals answered each time, ending the first quarter on a 7–3 spurt behind a Covello three-pointer and Jordan's jumper for a 15–11 lead.
Idaho State's defense tightened in the second quarter, holding the Lopes to just seven points on 25 percent shooting. Jordan continued to lead the offense, hitting midrange shots off the dribble while Kacey Spink worked inside for second-chance opportunities. Carlson's free throws midway through the period and another Jordan jumper helped the Bengals stretch the margin to seven, 25–18, at the break.
Grand Canyon cut the deficit to two early in the third, but the Bengals quickly reasserted control. Jordan scored on a tip-in to ignite a run, Covello hit her second three of the game, and Spink connected on a layup before drilling a deep three to push the lead to double digits. Carlson and Covello continued to find open looks as Idaho State poured in 23 points in the quarter, shooting nearly 53 percent from the field to lead 48–38 after three.
The Bengals put the game away in the fourth with sharp execution and unselfish passing. Spink opened the period with her second three-pointer, and Carlson followed with four consecutive baskets in the paint, including a pair assisted by Spink and Covello. The run stretched Idaho State's lead to 17, its largest of the night, before GCU closed late from the free throw line.
"I thought we showed composure in an electric atmosphere," said Head Coach Seton Sobolewski. "Defense and rebounding paced us early with Tasia hitting tough shots to keep a lead. Then it finished with Soph, KC, and Piper making shots down the stretch."
Jordan led all scorers with 20 points, adding nine rebounds and two steals. Carlson added 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while Spink stuffed the box score with 13 points, five assists, four steals, and four rebounds. Covello tallied nine points and five assists, and Maeva Gauffrenet provided valuable minutes off the bench with three steals and three free throws.
Idaho State shot 41 percent from the field and 83 percent from the line while holding Grand Canyon to 38 percent shooting and forcing 24 turnovers. The Bengals outscored the Lopes 32–18 in the paint and held a 35–28 edge on the glass.
Bengal Bites
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Idaho State led for more than 36 minutes and never trailed after the first quarter.
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Jordan has opened the year with back-to-back 20-point outings.
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Spink's four steals bring her career total to 200, 3 short of tying for 2nd all-time in the record book.
Next Up
Idaho State returns home to Reed Gym on Wednesday, Nov. 12, to host UC Irvine at 7:00 p.m. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ and carried on KISU 91.1 FM.
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