MOSCOW, Idaho — Although Idaho is known for its offensive prowess, the Vandals used lockdown defense to put together a 77-49 season sweep over Southern Utah Saturday afternoon in Memorial Gym.
 
While defensively the Vandals were solid, Idaho's efforts were balanced in the scoring column as four players scored in double-figures. Taylor Pierce led all scorers with 22 points while point guard Gina Marxen had a complete night with six assists and 15 points. Mikayla Ferenz and Lizzy Klinker both added ten points.
 
THE GAME
The Vandals got out to a 26-11 lead in the first quarter and would increase that lead to 25 heading into the halftime. Defensively, Idaho dominated and held Southern Utah to 18 points in the first half. Six Vandals would score in the half as Taylor Pierce paced the team with nine points after connecting on 3-of-5 triples in the opening quarter. Idaho shot just under 50 percent from both the field (48.5) and the three-point line (47.1).
 
Idaho added 20 more points to its lead entering into the final frame after outscoring the Thunderbirds 20-17 in the third quarter. With a comfortable 25-point advantage, the Vandals would maintain the difference and wrap up the game with a 28-point win, 77-49.
 
THE QUOTES—Jon Newlee


BIG SKY ON DECK
Idaho hits the road for its final conference road trip next weekend for two critical match ups. First up Portland State on Thursday, February 28 at 7 p.m.