PROVO, Utah – Idaho overcame a 16-point first half deficit to tie game at 57 with 2:32 left to play, but BYU hit a pair of clutch shots and made a late defensive stand to hold off the Vandals for a 67-62 win, Wednesday night in the women's basketball season opener for both teams.
 
Hope Hassmann was outstanding in her Vandal debut, going 7-16 from the field, including 5-10 from the three-point line for a game-high and career-high 23 points to lead the way for Idaho. Rosie Schweizer added 10 points on 3-4 shooting and Jennifer Aadland had 11 rebounds, six points and two blocks in a solid all-around performance for her Vandal debut.
 
Idaho missed its first four shots and at one point was just 5-14 from the field, including 1-5 from three in the first quarter.
 
The slow start allowed BYU to build a 25-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Cougars extended the lead to 42-26 to end the half, but the Vandals weren't going to roll over for the Big 12 squad.
 
Idaho cut the lead to 55-45 after the end of the third on a buzzer-beater from Sarah Brans, before going on an 8-0 run in the middle of the fourth quarter to tie the game at 57. The two teams traded buckets to again knot the game at 59 before BYU hit back-to-back shots to extend their lead back to five with just 31 seconds remaining.
 
Hassmann hit a deep three on an in-bounds pass from Olivia Nelson to cut the advantage back to two, but Idaho turned the ball over late and BYU was able to ice the game away at the free throw line.
 
The Vandals were 13-30 (43.3%) from the field in the second half to bring the game total to 19-55 (34.5%) overall for the game. Idaho was aggressive, getting to the free throw line, ending 18-24 from the line.
 
Idaho outrebounded BYU 41-39, including 23-16 advantage in the second half.
 
Three BYU players ended the game in double figures, led by true freshman Delaney Gibb with 17 points and five assists.
 
The Vandals are back on the road Sunday, but the trip will be a short one. Idaho plays Washington State at 12 p.m. at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman.
 
Idaho's home opener is on Nov. 13, against Walla Walla University on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at govandals.com/tickets.