OGDEN, Utah – Vandal women's basketball picks up their first win of 2023 at Weber State, 66-52. Sydney Gandy fired up the offense with a team-leading 19 points while Ashlyn Wallace was the heart of the defense with a career-high seven rebounds. Beyonce Bea recorded her eighth double-double this season with 15 points and 15 rebounds.

The Vandals came out strong in the first quarter, opening with a three-pointer from Sarah Brans. Brooke Malone kept the momentum rolling with a layup down a clear lane. Gandy was hot from the start, recording five points in the first 10 minutes. Wallace was big on defense, earning her fourth block of the season as she denied the Wildcats.

Idaho continued to have hot hands in the second quarter. Four different Vandals drained buckets from the arc, creating a comfortable lead. Malone and Gandy went back-to-back on threes as Gandy led the team with 10 points going into the half. Idaho shot 41.9% (13-31) from the field, 33.3% (6-18) from the arc, and 66.7% (4-6) from the line at the end of the first half.

The Vandals extended the lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 18-14. Idaho shot 31.3% (5-16) from the field, 50% (4-8) from three-point range, and 80% (4-5) from the line. The defense limited Weber to only 12 points from the field and one from the line. Idaho saw the biggest lead of the game (49-29) during this quarter as six separate Vandals tallied points.

Weber State challenged the Vandals in the final 10 minutes, decreasing the lead point by point. Gandy shut down all hopes of a comeback with back-to-back three-pointers. Idaho rode out the lead as they wasted time in the final seconds to earn their first win of 2023. Overall, the Vandals had their best conference road game, shooting 37.9% (22-58) from the field and 40% (12-30) from three-point range. Idaho improved to 3-6 in Big Sky and 7-13 overall while Weber remains without a Big Sky win.

The Vandals are back in action on Saturday, January 28th at 1 p.m. for the Battle of the Domes at Idaho State.