POCATELLO, Idaho - The Idaho State Bengals (13-15, 8-9 BSC) overcame a slow start to Roar back and defeat the Eastern Washington Eagles, 75-60 in front of the home faithful on Senior Day. The Bengals have now won four-straight and vaulted themselves into the upper half of the Big Sky standings.
The Day started with a tribute to Idaho State's 2024-25 lone senior, Maria Dias. The Bengal was recognized at half court for her efforts for the Bengals these last two years.
Seton Sobolewski and Maria Dias spoke after the Bengals' win.
The game got off to a slow start to say the least, Idaho State shot just 23 percent from the field, only scoring 10 points. The Bengal defense kept the team in it, holding the Eagles to just 13 points.
Like a flipped switch, the Bengals turned it on in the 2nd period, shooting 53 percent from the floor, led by Tasia Jordan and Kacey Spink scoring eight and seven. The Bengal defense was ferocious in the period holding the Eagles to just 13 points with three steals and three blocks.
At the end of the first half, the Bengals held onto a slim 28-26 lead over the Eagles
The Bengals came out of the locker room on a mission and put together one of the most dominant 10 minutes of basketball of the season.
The 3rd started with a Piper Carlson layup just 10 seconds into the half. ISU would go on to shoot 64.3 percent from the field with six different Bengals scoring 21 third quarter points. The Bengal defense didn't let the Eagles catch their breath either, holding the EWU squad to just 11 points on three-of-15 shooting from the floor.
The Bengals went into the final 10 with a 14-point lead. ISU needed the lead as both team exploded offensively in the fourth quarter. The Bengals didn't let up though, scoring a game high 26 point in the quarter on seven of 13 shooting and 12 of 16 from the free throw line.
Again, the Bengals found themselves in a late-game free-throw situation and once again the Bengals stepped up. Sophia Covello and Nika Lokica combined to go 8-for-8, keeping the Bengals out in front and out of reach.
Mackenzie Marenchin hit a free throw with 35 seconds to play and the Bengls closed out the 15-point 75-60 win over the Eagles.
Despite shooting 23.1 percent in the first quarter, the Bengals finished the game a dominantn 49.1 percent from the floor on 27-of-55 shooting. The Bengals forced 20 turnovers from the eagles, scoring 15 points.
ISU dominated the paint, scoring 40 points under the basket and 17 fastbreak points.
Tasia Jordan led the team with 21 points on nine-of-12 shooting. Four other Bengals scored in double figures. Maria Dias, on her senior day, scored 11 points with two boards, an assist and a block.
Kacey Spink led the Bengals with four steals. The Bengals as a team had 11 steals and seven blocks while holding the Eagles to 35 percent shooting for the game.
Up Next
The Bengals have one final game of the 2024-25 Big Sky regular season. Monday evening, idaho State takes on Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, Az. Tip is set for 6:00 PM MT and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and on KISU.org streaming.
