RENO, Nev.—Idaho women's basketball, the reigning Big Sky Tournament champions, begin its bid for a second conference championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament on Monday. Idaho, the No. 5 seed, will take on No. 12 Southern Utah at 2:35 p.m. PT at the Reno Events Center.
About Idaho: The Vandals closed out the regular season with a 15-point win over Southern Utah in the Cowan Spectrum. Senior
Karlee Wilson matched career-highs with 19 points and eight rebounds on Senior Night.
About the Opponent: The Thunderbirds finished the Big Sky season with a 2-16 record, earning the No. 12 seed in the tournament. Guard Rebecca Cardenas leads the conference with 4.9 assists per game.
The Match-Up: The Vandals have had much success as of late against SUU. Idaho has won seven straight and hold a 9-4 series lead. This marks the second meeting in three days. Idaho defeated SUU, 76-61, last Friday to close the regular season. The Vandals had five players score double figures.
Tourney Time: Idaho has won its last nine conference tournament games all in the state of Nevada. Overall the Vandals are 10-1 in the last four years in Nevada. The lone loss coming to No. 20 Cal back in 2013.
Blanked: Idaho held Southern Utah to 0-for-11 from 3-point range on Friday. It was the second time this season Idaho did not allow an opponent to hit from beyond the arc (LCSC).
5x3: The Vandals had five players score in double figures against SUU for the first time since last year's Big Sky Semifinal against EWU. Idaho had four players score double figures five times this season.
Back-to-Back: Idaho will play Southern Utah in back-to-back games, marking the first time since 2007 that Idaho will end the regular season and face the same opponent in the first game of the conference tournament (San Jose State, 3/3, 3/6/2007).
Nothing's Free: Idaho marked a season low against Northern Arizona with seven free throw attempts. The Vandals converted on five, the second fewest this season.
Comeback: Idaho's 15-point comeback at Portland State was the largest of the season. Idaho twice fought back from 13-point deficits on its way to wins at Southern Utah and against Weber State. Idaho has trailed in 14 of its wins this season the last coming against Souther Utah.
