MOSCOW, Idaho - Coach Jon Newlee saw marked progress in the Idaho Vandals but a turnover triple in the second half negated an eight-point lead and gave Wyoming the moment it needed to win the non-conference game 61-55 at Memorial Gym and remain undefeated.

"They made their big shots when they needed to," Newlee said. "We turned the ball over. We were too careless with the ball. That's what really hurt us."

Idaho (1-5) had 16 turnovers but it was the run of three in the second half that gave the Cowgirls their opportunity. Disciplined offense and tenacious rebounding enabled the Vandals to forge a 46-38 lead with just a little more than seven minutes of the game. They appeared on the verge of dictating how the game would be played in the final minutes.

Then came the first turnover, which was followed by an Idaho foul and two Wyoming free throws were converted to cut the lead to 46-40. Then another turnover. This time a layup ensued and the Idaho lead was down to four, 46-42. Yet another turnover with a Wyoming mid-range jumper on the other end and the Cowgirls were within 46-44 with 5:23 to play.

The Vandals nursed the lead for three more minutes but Wyoming tied the game at 53 on a 3-pointer by Jade Kennedy and took the lead, 55-53, for good on Hillary Carlson's layup with 1:14 to play.

Idaho contained Carlson in the first half but she powered her way through for 18 second-half points - almost half of Wyoming's production in the final 20 minutes, to lead all scorers with 20.

"Carlson really took it to us," Newlee said. "She's that kind of kid. She's a special player."

Nevertheless, Newlee could find a lot on which the Vandals can build.

"I'm encouraged by our play tonight," he said. "I thought we played good for longer stretches than we played this year.

"Giving up 41 points in the second half hurt. Our communication at the (defensive) end is something we need to work on and get better at."

Shaena Kuehu had her best outing of the season with 14 points and a career-high 11 rebounds. Kanisha Bello also drew praise from Newlee after a 13-point, five-rebound effort, and Rachele Klocke was steady with 11 points and six rebounds. Yinka Olorunnife had foul issues but still managed six points and 10 boards before leaving the game with 3:24 to go.

Idaho is at home Sunday for a noon non-conference game against St. Mary's at Memorial Gym.