MOSCOW, Idaho— Senior Taylor Pierce posted a season-high 30 points helping Idaho (6-6, 3-0) take down Eastern Washington (2-10,1-2) 84-68 Thursday, at Cowan Spectrum, handing the Eagles their first conference loss on the road.
 
THE GAME
The Vandals would jump on the Eagles early, 15-9, after a layup by sophomore Natalie Klinker at the four-minute mark in the first quarter. Idaho would steadily increase its lead by seven points. With the clock running out, the Eagles found the basket with 20 seconds left, leaving the first quarter down 22-17.
 
In the second, Idaho held the Eagles to 8 points the entire quarter while collecting another 22 points. The Vandals headed into halftime up 43-25. Idaho dominated the third quarter as the team outscored the Eagles 23-15.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Vandals pulled ahead by as many as 30 points, but Eastern Washington put together a short rally to come with 13 points with three minutes left in regulation. Idaho fended off the run and handled business with a final score of 84-68.
 
THE NAME
Taylor Pierce dropped a season-high 30 points and sank eight three-pointers on the season. She was just short of tying her record of nine three-pointers in a single season, a record she has broken three times.
 
THE NOTES

• Isabelle Hadden totaled 16 points and seven rebounds while Mikayla Ferenz tallied 15 points and six boards.
• Natalie Klinker pulled down ten boards. This records the sixth time she has grabbed double-figures in rebounding.
• The Vandals dished out 21 assists on the night.
• As a team, Idaho out-rebounded the Eagles, 41-31, with 15 being offensive boards.
• First time since 2013 the Vandals have started conference play 3-0.

THE QUOTE-- Jon Newlee

 
BIG SKY ON DECK
Vandals are back in action Saturday (Jan. 5th) against Northern Colorado inside Cowan Spectrum. Tipoff is slated for 2:00 p.m. PDT.