MOSCOW, Idaho – The Idaho Vandals (10-16, 9-8) withstood a late surge to defeat Northern Colorado (11-15, 7-11) 88-79 Saturday afternoon at ICCU Arena.
 
The Vandals took control of the game just seconds after the opening tip; Sydney Gandy found a streaking Allison Kirby for the layup just five seconds into the game. The Vandals used the spark to jump out to an early 12-4 lead, making their first five shots and shooting 55.6 percent in the first quarter.

Gandy would finish with a game-high 22 points and eight assists.

The Vandal offense continued to operate efficiently, opening a 27-point lead with 4:43 left in the third quarter. However, Northern Colorado responded with a 13-0 run over the next three minutes to cut the lead to 14. The Vandals were able to stop the run and entered the fourth quarter with a 15-point lead.

Idaho maintained the 15-point lead through the first six minutes of the fourth but a 12-2 run over the next three minutes allowed Northern Colorado to trim the vandal lead to five with just over a minute left in regulation. Clutch free-throw in the final 40 seconds gave the Vandals breathing room as they held on to win their fourth straight game.

Five Vandals scored in double figures, led by Gandy's 22. Beyonce Bea recorded a 21-point, 10 rebound double-double, her fourth straight game scoring over 20 points. Ashlyn Wallace tied a career-high with 16 points. Kirby scored 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Tiana Johnson added 11 points, six rebounds, and three blocks.

The Vandals will wrap up their five-game homestand on Monday, Feb. 28 when they host Portland State. Tip-off from ICCU Arena is set for 6 p.m.

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.