MOSCOW, Idaho - Idaho women's basketball has traveled over 13,000 miles and played games in every single time zone. In eight games so far this season, the closest game to Moscow was at the Hunstman Center in Salt lake City, a mere 640 miles away. That changes Thursday when Idaho hosts Denver for the home opener at ICCU Arena. The Vandals enter the contest with a 2-6 record, while the Pioneers are 4-6 on the season.

ABOUT IDAHO:  The Vandals look to rebound after two losses on the road in Texas.  Beyonce Bea is averaging 22.6 points per game to lead the way for Idaho, Her average is the best in the Big Sky Conference and 7th in the NCAA. The Vandals welcome in six newcomers, including a pair of transfers in Jenna Kilty (Portland State) and Malone (Idaho State). Idaho was picked to finish third by the Big Sky Coaches and Bea was named to the Big Sky Preseason team. Idaho returns three starters off of last year's team; Bea, Sydney Gandy and Tiana Johnson, who is taking advantage of her covid year to play a fifth season of basketball. 

ABOUT DENVER: The Pios were picked eighth in the Summit League Preseason poll and are sitting in the middle of the pack among the league with a 4-6 record. Emma Smith is averaging a team-high 14.8 points per game while Jojo jones averages 10.2 PPG. Five Denver Players average eight points or more per game. Head coach Doshia Woods is in her third season as head coach.   

SERIES HISTORY: For the second game in a row, Idaho plays a former conference foe from the 2012-13 WAC. The Vandals are 3-0 all-time against the Pioneers. The last win came in an 88-66 win over Denver in the 2019 WNIT First Round. 

ROAD WARRIORS: Idaho opened the season with eight games on the road. Thursday's home game is the lone non-conference home game of the season. Idaho closes non-conference play with two more road games. 

UP NEXT: Idaho travels to Arizona to play Grand Canyon on Sunday, Dec. 18 before playing Utah Valley in Orem on Dec. 21.