HONOLULU, Hawaii – The Vandals women's basketball won the Bank of Hawaii Classic, going undefeated on the weekend. The 50-40 win over Hawaii was earned through a powerful defensive effort and grit.

Sarah Brans led the court with 12 points on the night, going 4-9 from the field and 2-2 from the free-throw line. Amalie Langer had herself a night as well, shooting a perfect 6-6 from the charity line. Langer is 14-14 on free throws this season. Kennedy Johnson dominated the board grabbing a career-high 12 rebounds.

Tonight's win marked the first time since 2022 that the Vandals held their opponent to 40 or fewer points. The last time was against Portland State (64-39) on February 28th, 2022. The Vandals improved to 3-1 on the year and 2-1 against Big West teams, including the win over the reigning champion, Hawaii.

The Vandals came out hot in the first half taking the lead early in the first quarter. Johnson and Brans led the court with four points apiece. Johnson went 3-4 from the field and Brans went 1-3 from the field and 2-2 from the line. Idaho had their best quarter of shooting, going 5-12 (41.7%) from the field and 4-4 from the line. The Vandals made it difficult for the Rainbow Warriors, forcing them to shoot under 16.7% from the field and three-point range.

In the second quarter, the Vandals earned a comfortable lead after a 9-0 run. The final seven minutes of the half saw Idaho score 16 points to Hawaii's three. Brans popped off, scoring five points and only missing one attempt from the paint. Brans and Hope Butera were quick to the rebound, grabbing three each.

Idaho entered halftime with the largest lead they have had all season. Brans led with nine points and Johnson led with six boards. Overall, Idaho shot 39.3% (11-28) from the field, 22.2% (2-9) from three, and 6-6 from the free throw line while Hawaii shot 20% (5-25) from the field, 25% (2-8) from three, and 62.5% (5-8) from the line.

There seemed to be a lid on the rim as Idaho entered the third quarter struggling to find points. Hawaii came out with a vengeance attempting to cut the lead, scoring 12 points. Brans hit a pick and popped a three to give Idaho their only points from the field in the second half.

The final quarter came down to game management and free throws. Hawaii sent Idaho to the line nine times, and the Vandals converted on 13 of the 18 attempts. Langer helped draw fouls as Hawaii saw two players foul out and shot 6-6 from the line.

Idaho's grit and big defensive stops kept Hawaii out of reach of the equalizer. The Vandals forced 7 turnovers in the second half. Despite the second-half scoring slump, Idaho was able to hold on to the lead and push past Hawaii.

Ashlyn Wallace and Johnson were awarded with All-Tournament honors, with Wallace named as MVP. Wallace finished the weekend with 16 points, three steals, and six rebounds. Johnson was a force on the defense, grabbing 17 rebounds and four steals while registering 14 points.