Box Score FLAGSTAFF, Arizona –The University of Idaho women's basketball team fell to 3-4 on the season following a loss on the road to Northern Arizona on New Year's Eve. NAU's offense was too much for the Vandals to begin the game scoring 33 points in the first period. Idaho's comeback in the second half fell short after scoring 24 points in the third period and just 13 in the fourth. Three Vandals scored in double-figures, led by Senior Natalie Klinker and Beyonce Bea who each totaled 12 points. Klinker also led Idaho on the boards with eight rebounds.

THE GAME

Northern Arizona opened the game off to a hot start from the field and led Idaho 16-4 midway through. The Vandals couldn't stop NAU down the stretch as the Lumberjacks led 33-12 after the first.
 
There wasn't much offense from either side in the second period as the Vandals outscored NAU by five and held the Lumberjacks to just eight points.
 
NAU extended their lead to 23 early in the second period before Idaho went on a 9-2 run. Beyonce Bea's layup at the 3:58 mark sparked a 9-2 run for the Vandals to close the second half and outscore the Lumberjacks 13-8 in the period. Natalie Klinker added a layup just before half trimming NAU's lead to 41-25.
 
The Lumberjacks answered first to begin the second half, but the Vandals responded with four straight points from Natalie Klinker picking up where she left up and further cutting into the deficit.
 
Idaho cut the lead to 10, 47-57, following a 15-2 run midway through the third which included a three-pointer from Sydney Gandy, Bea and Gina Marxen.
 
NAU fought off Idaho's comeback attempt finishing the third on a 9-2 run leading 66-49 at the end of the period.
 
The offense for NAU continued to click in the fourth period outscoring Idaho 18-13. The Vandals cut the lead to 18 following a pair of free-throws from Paris Atchley at the 9:03 mark, but couldn't get any closer the rest of the way falling 84-62. 



 
THE QUOTES Head Coach Jon Newlee
 
"The first quarter cost us, but credit to them they came out and made every shot they could, and we just couldn't put the ball into the basket."
 
"I just thought we just couldn't respond once we got it to 10. We just couldn't get it done. Credit to NAU they played hard we had a lot of shots go in and out and the ball certainly bounced their way tonight."

THE NOTES
Beyonce Bea and Natalie Klinker each led the Vandals in scoring with 12 points while junior Gina Marxen chipped in 11.
 
Idaho outrebounded NAU on the offensive glass 11-7 but lost the rebound battle overall 39-33.
 
The Vandals turned the ball over nine times and forced the Lumberjacks into 10 turnovers. NAU however totaled 11 points off turnovers compared to just six for the Vandals.
 
Idaho recorded six steals and four blocks against NAU.

THE NAME

Natalie Klinker scored 12 points and totaled a team-high eight rebounds in her first game back since Dec. 13. She finished 5-of-9 from the field and totaled five offensive rebounds.


UP NEXT

Idaho will return to action on Saturday Jan. 2 for game two against NAU. Tip-off is set for 11 a.m. PT.