MOSCOW, Idaho – Beyonce Bea scored 25 points as the Idaho Vandals (9-16, 8-8) used a strong fourth quarter to defeat Sacramento State (13-13, 9-8) 73-68 Monday evening at ICCU Arena.
 
Bea was 10-18 for 25 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks to lead the way for the Vandals. Tiana Johnson scored 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Louise Forsyth added 12 points and six rebounds.

Bea scored the first eight points for the Vandals, finishing the first quarter with 10 points. Idaho built a six-point lead but a 7-2 run over the final 1:50 allowed the Hornets to only trail 15-14 after the first quarter of play.
 
Points were hard to come by in the first half the Vandals were just 10 of 34 shooting. Sacramento State wasn't finding it any easier to score, shooting just 10-27 as Idaho led at the half 26-24.
 
The offenses opened things up in the fourth quarter, scoring a combined 54 points. The Hornets started on a short run, quickly taking a 50-46 lead. Idaho responded with a three-point barrage, connecting on three triples during an 11-2 run to retake the lead with just over five minutes remaining. Sacramento State was able to trim the Vandal lead to just two with three minutes left in regulation before more clutch 3-point shooting from Louise Forsyth and Ashlyn Wallace helped put the Vandals up 66-57 with1:53 left. The teams then traded baskets and free throws down the stretch and the Vandals were able to hold on to win their third straight game and climb within a half-game of a first-round bye in the upcoming Big Sky Conference Tournament.
 
The Vandals outrebounded the Hornets 38-32 and had 13 offensive rebounds. Idaho had 20 assists on 26 made field goals.

The Vandals home stand continues as they will host Northern Colorado on Saturday, Feb.26. Tip-off from ICCU Arena is set for 2 p.m. Before the game the Vandals will honor their four seniors with a short ceremony.

Follow the Vandals all season long on Twitter and Instagram, @VandalsWBB fans can also listen over the airwaves with the Voice of the Vandals, Doug Taylor, on the Vandal Radio Network and  GoVandals.com/Listen.