POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State battled into the final minutes Saturday afternoon but fell 67-61 at Montana State inside Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.
The Bengals had an opportunity late after briefly taking a fourth-quarter lead, but turnovers and second-chance points proved costly down the stretch.
Halle Wright led Idaho State with 14 points and nine rebounds. Piper Carlson recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Kacey Spink also had a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. The Bengals controlled the glass overall, out-rebounding Montana State 48-39, including 14 offensive rebounds.
How It Happened
Idaho State settled into the game early behind its interior presence. After trading possessions through the first five minutes, Wright converted a second-chance opportunity at 6:11 to give ISU a 6-4 advantage, its largest lead of the opening quarter.
Montana State answered with a 6-0 run midway through the period, and Idaho State trailed 17-14 after one.
In the second quarter, Wright connected from three at 9:29 and later added two free throws to keep the Bengals within one possession. After Montana State stretched its lead to seven at 30-23, Alyse Aby answered with a three at 3:54 to spark a 5-0 ISU response. Aspen Caldwell knocked down two free throws in the final 30 seconds to trim the deficit to 32-31 at halftime.
Montana State opened the third quarter on a quick 6-0 push to extend the margin to 37-31. Idaho State responded behind second-chance production. Spink scored inside at 8:12, and Caldwell's layup at 5:54 tied the game at 37-37. The Bengals stayed within striking distance, but Montana State carried a 51-45 lead into the fourth.
Idaho State made its decisive move midway through the final quarter.
Wright drilled a three at 6:42, and Aby followed with another at 6:03 to cut the deficit to three. Carlson scored inside at 5:25 to make it a two-point game, and Tylie Jones knocked down a three at 4:01 to give Idaho State a 58-57 lead.
Montana State responded with a 7-0 run over the next two minutes to regain control. Idaho State trimmed the margin to three twice at the free throw line in the final minute, but could not complete the comeback.
Bengal Bites
• Idaho State out-rebounded Montana State 48-39.
• The Bengals collected 14 offensive rebounds.
• Piper Carlson and Kacey Spink each recorded double-doubles.
• Halle Wright led ISU with 14 points.
• Idaho State finished 23-of-30 at the free throw line.
• The Bengals briefly took a fourth-quarter lead at the 4:01 mark.
