BOISE, Idaho – Idaho got up early and never looked back in a wire-to-wire victory over Northern Arizona in the 2021 Big Sky Tournament quarterfinals, presented by Idaho Central Credit Union. The No. 2 Vandals took down the No. 7 Lumberjacks, 67-53, to advance to Wednesday's semifinal, tipping off at 8 p.m. PT/9 p.m. MT. Freshman Sydney Gandy led the Vandals in scoring, tying her career-high with 23 points. Senior Gabi Harrington added 22 points and a team-high 13 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season.  

THE GAME

 Idaho wasted no time on Tuesday night, jumping out to a quick 7-0 advantage. An Allison Kirby three-pointer capped the opening run at the 7:29 mark. Sydney Gandy added her seventh point of the period with 3:04 to play, pushing the Vandals to a 12-point lead, 18-6. Northern Arizona outscored the Vandals down the stretch, but Idaho held a 20-12 lead at the end.

The lead ballooned from there as the Vandals allowed only five points to NAU in the second. A Harrington three-pointer capped an 8-2 opening run for the Vandals to lead 28-14 at the 5:58 mark. The Lumberjacks added one point and the Vandals responded with a 5-0 run, capped with a Harrington jumper to lead 34-15. NAU added one more bucket before half but the Vandals were on top 34-17 at the break.

Idaho continued to extend their lead, leading by as many as 22 midway through. Despite a late push by the Lumberjacks in the third, the Vandals remained ahead by double digits, 48-37 at the end of the third.

Less than three minutes into the third period, NAU cut the lead to 10, 54-44. Gandy put the Vandals back up 15, 59-44, following a three pointer. An 8-2 run squashed an NAU comeback, putting the Vandals up 67-48 following a Harrington layup. Idaho went on to win 67-53, punching a ticket to the semifinals.

THE NAME

Gabi Harrington was outstanding in her return to her hometown of Boise. She recorded her fourth 20-point double-double of the season and finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds.

THE QUOTES
 
THE NOTES

Sydney Gandy tied her career-high with 23 points on 9-of-19 shooting. Allison Kirby also chipped in 12 rebounds for the Vandals and had a team-high four assists.
Idaho outrebounded the Lumberjacks 50-37 and held a 13-3 advantage in second chance points.

The Vandals shot 40 percent from the field and held NAU to just 36 percent.
 
UP NEXT

Idaho awaits the winner of the final quarterfinal, between No. 3 Montana State and No. 11 Sacramento State.