BOISE, Idaho – Idaho women's basketball fell to Sacramento State 73-58 in the Big Sky quarterfinals on Monday afternoon in Boise. Beyonce Bea led the Vandals with 16 points and six rebounds.
Bea ends the season tied for third with Emily Faurholt in career points at 1,938. She is only 528 points behind Idaho's all-time leading scorer, Mikayla Ferenz (2,466). Bea has the second-most starts in Vandal history with 114 starts in 116 appearances. Throughout the season, she has made the most field goals in Vandal history with 175 on 206 attempts and ends at fifth all-time with 685 points.
Tiana Johnson rounded out her basketball career with 13 points on the day. In her sixth and final season, Johnson she scored 280 points with 14 games in the double digits. She has made 145 appearances in her career with 122 starts and 1,337 points. Johnson has contributed 600 points to the Vandals in the past two seasons.
The first quarter did not reflect the Vandals' strengths as they shot 26.7% (4-15) from the field and 25% (2-8) from three. Whether it was luck or skill, the basketball did not seem to want to go in for Idaho as it danced around the rim and popped out many times. On the other hand, Sacramento State was facing the same foes with just a bit more success. The Hornets shot 38.9% (7-18) from the field and 37.5% (3-8) from three. The first ten minutes ended with the Hornets up 17-10.
Idaho was able to convert on their shots in the second quarter, improving their field shooting to 41.2% (7-17) and draining four threes. Sacramento State held Bea scoreless in the period as Kahlaijah Dean led the court with seven. The Vandals were closer to the Hornets in this quarter, scoring 18 points to their 21. The halftime buzzer sounded, and Idaho entered the locker room with a 10-point deficit, 38-28.
The Vandals had their best chance at a comeback in the third quarter, bringing the game within single digits multiple times and within two at one point. Bea was able to find her groove, scoring nine points followed by two other Vandals with three apiece. Idaho outscored the Hornets 16-10, shooting 41.7% (5-12) from the field, 28.6% (2-7) from three, and 80% (4-5) from the line. Sacramento State went cold shooting only 25% (4-16) from the field, 16.7% (1-6) from three, and 50% (1-2) from the line.
As the final 10 minutes started, the Vandals had to overcome a four-point deficit of 48-44. Idaho could not overcome the deficit as crucial shots were missed and defensive holes were exposed. Sacramento State responded to every Vandal point with two of their own. As the clock ticked down, the gas ran out and the Hornets finished the dual 68-55. Idaho finishes their season 13-17 overall and 9-10 in Big Sky matches.
