MOSCOW, Idaho—Stacey Bar led the Vandal women with 27 points in Idaho's 104-19 rout of Multnomah on Sunday. The Australian guard tied her career-high with six three-point field goals on her way to becoming the program's all-time leader, closing the afternoon with 210 career three's.
“I did not actually realize that she was that close to the record,” head coach Jon Newlee stated following the game. “Stacey has certainly worked hard in the four years she has been here. She has gotten better every year. Her game has really developed, not only as a shooter.”
“I think Christina [Salvatore] will have it pretty easily,” Barr joked about her new record. “It is cool to even have my name up there.”
Idaho (4-3) asserted its dominance from the start, holding Multnomah scoreless in the game's first 4:52. Barr tied the 16 year old record, held by Kelli Johnson, with her third three of the half at to give Idaho a 15 point lead with 13:37 remaining in the half. She returned to the floor after taking a breather and hit her fourth three of the game with 1:48 to play, passing Johnson for sole possession for first all-time. She would add another before the end of the half, helping Idaho to a 31 point lead at the break.
The Vandals defense was stifling on Sunday. Multomah, playing in its third game in as many days, shot just 12.8 percent (6-of-47) from the field. Idaho did not allow an opposing play to score in double-figures for the second time this season. The Silver and Gold forced 25 turnovers, converting them into 42 points. Idaho's size was key inside the paint with 70 rebounds and 30 second chance points. Maren Austgulen led the team with a career-high 11 rebounds.
Coach Newlee was able to get all 12 of his available players extended minutes in his team's first home win of the season. Aside from Barr, four other Vandals reached double-figure scoring. Ali Forde closed the afternoon with 13 points and a season-high nine rebounds. She snagged seven boards in only eight minutes on the court in the first half. Agueda Trujillo had her best game of the season, totaling 11 points in 22 minutes. Junior transfer Tayla Corrigan scored a season-high 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, while Renae Mokrzycki totaled her first points of the season, closing with 10 points and nine rebounds.
“[Today] was nice for everybody's confidence,” Newlee added. “Hats off to Multnomah for playing their third game in three days. Those kids were battling hard they had such great attitudes. To be able to get all of our players in, in-between the two ranked opponents, is huge for us.”
Idaho totaled a season-high 30 assists with 11 different players helping spread the ball around. Karlee Wilson set a career-high with seven helpers, while Connie Ballestero and Bethany Krause each added five.
“It was great that everyone got out there today,” Barr commented. “Just to get them out on the floor and get them some shots was good before we head down to Baylor.”
The 85-point victory is the largest in Idaho's history, dating back to the start of the program in 1974. The Vandals had twice beaten teams by 73 points prior to Sunday. The 19 points allowed is the fewest in program history. The previous low was 24 in 1975.
Idaho now sets its sights on No. 11 Baylor. The two teams will meet in Waco on Wednesday.
