MOSCOW, Idaho – The Vandal women's basketball team fell to Idaho State on Thursday night in the ICCU Arena, 61-56. Sarah Brans led the squad with a career-tying 16 points.

The Vandals were off to a slow start against the Bengals until Asha Phillips was fouled less than two minutes into the game, putting the first point on the board for the Vandals. The Bengals kept the lead for the whole first quarter including a four-minute score drought by the Vandals. Even with the Vandals trailing behind, Amalie Langer was 2-2 from the foul line and Sarah Schmitt was 2-5 from behind the three-point line. 

In the second quarter the Vandals came out swinging with a 13-2 run over Idaho State led by Brans knocking down a wide range three. Brans led the team with 11 points the first half going 3-6 from the three-point line, and 4-7 from the field. Kennedy Johnson made an impact on the boards with five rebounds in the half. 

To finish the half, the Vandals shot 42.9% from the field but shot a low 33.3% from behind the three point line. After crawling their way back up from a nine-point trail, the Vandals took the reins with six minutes left in the half. Unfortunately, the Bengals did not let up and took back the lead to end the half 34-28.

The third quarter looked very similar to the first half of the game. Idaho State led the quarter and went on a 12-point scoring run. This cushioned their lead and forced the Vandals to crawl their way back up from the deficit. In the last second Sarah Schmitt made a layup at the buzzer, in hopes of creating momentum for the Vandals as they headed into the final quarter. 

The Vandals effort was present throughout the whole game, but kept falling short when it came to finding the equalizer. Idaho shot 30.8% from the three-point line, 37.7% from the field and 61.5% at the foul line. Johnson capped the game with 10 rebounds and Brans tied her career-high with 16 points.

Idaho had two opportunities change the game, but both shots fell short. Ashlyn Wallace made a three within the last minute to put the team within four points of Idaho State. Unfortunately, the Bengals weathered Idaho's high pressure defense to solidify the win.

Vandals will host Weber State on Saturday (1/20) at 5 pm PST in the ICCU Arena.