POCATELLO, Idaho - The Idaho State Bengals (13-16, 8-10) wrapped up the 2024-25 regular season Monday evening in Flagstaff, AZ, falling to the Lumberjacks 83-71.
The fast-paced game was back and forth for most of the game before the Lumberjacks pulled away slowly in the 2nd half.
In a game that saw eight lead changes and was tied five times, it took until the fourth quarter for the 2nd place Lumberjacks to pull away.
The Bengals took a slim 38-37 lead into the locker room after a 40 percent shooting performance in the first half. Sophia Covello led the Bengals with 13 first-half points on four-of-five shooting from the field and three-of-three from behind the arc. Alyse Aby also dropped two three-pointers as she scored eight first-half points.
The Bengals controlled the glass in the first half, holding the Lumberjacks to 14 second-quarter points, their lowest of the game. The Bengals' 24 rebounds and 10 offensive boards helped the Orange and Black keep up with the fast pace of play.
The Bengals continued battling in the 2nd half but were slowly outscored in the 3rd and 4th. The Lumberjacks +13 13-point differential in the final 20 pushed NAU past the Bengals.
The Bengals shot 41.4 percent in the 2nd half, but NAU's 57.1 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range was too much to keep up with.
Piper Carlson stepped up in the 2nd half, leading the Bengals with 11 points on five-of-seven shooting from the field.
Turnovers were a key factor in the game, the Bengals comitted 19 in the game, and NAU took advantage, scoring 18 of their points.
The Bengals won the rebound battle, grabbing 39 boards to NAU's 35. The Bengals were led by Kace Spink's 10 boards, five of which were offensive rebounds. As a team, the Bengals grabbed 16 o-boards and scored 14 second chance points.
As a team, Idaho State finished the game shooting 40.6 from the floor. The Bengals shot a strong 64.3 percent from three and hit 83.3 percent of their free-throw attempts, 10-of-12.
Sophia Covello had a season-high 19 points on six-of-nine shooting and five-of-seven from three point range.
Idaho State had a season-high 15 steals as a team. Piper Carlson and Tasia Jordan both had four steals, leading the team.
Idaho State finishes the regular season 13-16 and 8-10 in Big Sky play. The Bengals improved 2nd half of the Big Sky Conference season and secured the team a first-round bye in the upcoming tournament.
Regular Season Highlights
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The Bengals' best scoring game this season came against Arizona Christian. Idaho State scored 91 points, with their season-high made 34 field goals. The Bengals also tied their season-high in three-pointers made with 11 in the win over the firestorm.
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In the win over Missouri-Kansas City on December 7, Idaho State made their season-highs in free throws with 21-of-31 attempts.
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In the Overtime loss against Northern Illinois on December 20, The Bengals grabbed 47 rebounds. No Bengal had double-digit rebounds, but every Bengal that saw the court had multiple boards.
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In the Bengals win over Portland State on February 20, ISU moved the ball around with 26 total assists in the game. Sophia Covello led the team with a career high 10 assists as she had the 11 pt, 11 assist double-double.
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Tonight in the win over NAU, the Bengals had a season-high 15 steals.
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Idaho State blocked 10 shots in the win over Northern Colorado on January 4. Tasia Jordan led the team with a career-best six blocks.
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Jordan had the season-best in scoring for the Bengals in the win over Portland State on February 20. Jordan scored 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting from the field.
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Sophia Covello tied the season-high three-point field goals made twice, hitting five treys against BYU on November 16 and NAU on March 3.
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Against the Idaho Vandals on February 1, Kacey Spink set the season-best rebound mark of 15 (4 offensive, 11 defensive).
Big Sky Tournament
The Bengals now head to Boise for the 2025 Big Sky Tournament. Seeding and opponent will be finalized later tonight, but the Bengals have secured a first-round bye and will play their first game on Monday, March 10. Stay tuned for information as it is released by Conference officials.
