MOSCOW, Idaho – Defense was key on Saturday afternoon in Memorial Gym as Idaho dominated Multnomah, 83-45, in its lone exhibition of the preseason.
 
The defense was relentless, forcing 20 turnovers and holding Multnomah to just 20 percent (9-of-45) shooting from the field. Idaho also dominated on the glass, outrebounding the Lions 61-39, including 27-7 in offensive boards.
 
Four different Vandals finished in double-figures, led by Mikayla Ferenz's 15. Fellow sophomore Taylor Pierce finished with 14 points, while Agueda Trujillo chipped in with 11. Geraldine McCorkell had a solid all-around game, finishing with eight points and 11 boards.

"It is always good to get out, put the uniforms on and play somebody different," head coach Jon Newlee said. "I thought it was good to get some of those first-game jitters out for our freshmen and some of our returners who have been out for a while. I liked our effort, particularly that third quarter."
 
Idaho came out a bit cold to start things off, hitting just one of its first 10 3-point attempts. But where the offense was lacking the defense more than made up for it, causing seven turnovers in the opening period and allowing just two made field goals.
 
The Vandals would warm up late in the first quarter, sparked by a pair of Trujillo 3's inside the final two minutes to give Idaho the 21-11 advantage.
 
The defense stayed locked in in the second quarter, allowing just one made field goal by the Lions. The shots still weren't falling on the offensive end, but Idaho was able to take a 42-21 lead into the half by taking advantage of their size and dominating the offensive glass to keep possessions alive.
 
The second half was much of the same on the defensive side of the ball, while the offense relaxed a bit to help the Vandals pull away.
 
In the end, Idaho shot just 31.7 percent from the field. The Vandals were solid at the line, finishing 18-of-20.  As a team, Idaho moved the ball well all night, finishing with 18 assists on 26 made baskets.
 
The Vandals get the regular season started at Seattle U on November 11, check back with GoVandals.com as the game approaches for more information.