POCATELLO, Idaho- Idaho State women's basketball got a spark from its bench and forced Cal Poly into 22 turnovers in a 62–49 road victory on Saturday afternoon at the Mott Athletics Center in San Luis Obispo, California. The win moved the Bengals to 6–4 this season.
Idaho State controlled the game from the opening tip, never trailing and leading for more than 38 minutes. The Bengals recorded 11 steals and consistently turned defensive pressure into scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon.
"The bench was ready today! Great efforts to help us create a lead," said Head Coach Seton Sobolewski.
"Impressive defensive effort causing 22 TO's with 11 steals."
The Bengals opened the game with strong defensive energy, holding Cal Poly to nine first-quarter points while forcing seven turnovers in the opening ten minutes. Idaho State built a 17–9 lead after one, capped by a late Maeva Gauffrenet three and a pair of interior finishes from Piper Carlson.
Idaho State's bench made an immediate impact early in the second quarter. Mackenzie Marenchin knocked down the first three-pointer of her collegiate career at the 5:16 mark, part of a 9–0 Bengal run that stretched the lead to double digits. The Bengals continued to capitalize on Cal Poly mistakes, scoring 20 points off turnovers in the first half alone. Idaho State carried a 33–23 advantage into halftime, with its bench accounting for 18 points.
Cal Poly showed resistance early in the third quarter with a brief 8–0 run that trimmed the margin to five, but Idaho State responded with timely baskets and second-chance opportunities. Aspen Caldwell drilled a three midway through the period, and Kacey Spink converted multiple put-backs to keep the Bengals in front. Idaho State matched Cal Poly point-for-point in the quarter and entered the fourth ahead 47–37.
The Bengals reasserted control in the final period with another defensive surge. Caldwell scored on a fast-break layup off a steal, and Alyse Aby finished a turnover-forced possession to push the lead back to double digits. Idaho State's largest run of the game came late, as a Gauffrenet three and consecutive interior scores from Carlson extended the margin to 14 with just over a minute remaining.
Carlson led Idaho State with 12 points, while Caldwell added 10 points, three assists, and three steals. Idaho State finished with 25 bench points and outscored Cal Poly 17–7 in second-chance points.
Spink finished with eight rebounds, moving her into the top 10 in career rebounds in Idaho State women's basketball history.
Idaho State improved to 6–4 on the season with the win, while Cal Poly dropped to 2–7.
Bengal Bites
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Idaho State never trailed and led for 38:38 of game time.
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The Bengals forced 22 turnovers and recorded 11 steals.
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Idaho State outscored Cal Poly 25–0 in bench points.
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Mackenzie Marenchin hit the first three-pointer of her collegiate career in the second quarter.
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Idaho State held Cal Poly to 49 points, its lowest scoring output this season.
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Kacey Spink moved into the top 10 in career rebounds in program history.
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Idaho State posted its largest lead of 14 points late in the fourth quarter.
Next Up
Idaho State is back on the road for the final non-conference matchup of the season, Saturday, December 20 taking on the UVU Wolverines in Orem, Utah. Tip is set for 12:00 PM MT.
