The Idaho women’s basketball took its second win of the season against California State-Fullerton , defeating the Titans 88-86. While the team grabbed another regular season win the Idaho women’s basketball program secured its 600th win.
The game was tight from start to finish. The Vandals and the Titans fought through the first half, with Fullerton (0-2) leading by as many as nine points.
The surpassed the Titans with minutes left in the half. Sophomore guard Mikayla Ferenz sunk a three to put Idaho up 38-36. The Vandals held a 43-38 lead at the conclusion of the half.
Idaho stepped up during the second half, leading until the closing minutes.
Fullerton took an 82-81 lead with just 1:43 to play.
Junior post Geraldine McCorkell scored five consecutive points and put Idaho up 86-82. Sophomore guard Taylor Pierce and senior point guard Karlee Wilson made free throws in the closing seconds of play to secure the Idaho win.
McCorkell played a record-breaking game, scoring a career-high 30 points. Wilson earned five points and 10 assists. Pierce totaled 18 points and went 5-of-9 from the beyond the arc.
Senior guard Agueda Trujillo earned 17 points in 18 minutes off the bench. Ferenz and freshman guard Cherita Daugherty finished with nine points apiece.
“Two games in a row that Agueda has come in and played big minutes for us at the four,” Newlee said. “Brooke [Reilly] is still trying to find her way after being out for a year. Ag is getting her chance and making the most of it.”
Idaho head coach Jon Newlee said he was pleased with the win.
“It was tough tonight,” said Newlee in a press release. “Hats off to Cal State Fullerton. They shot the ball well tonight, a lot better than they have. (Iman) Lathan went crazy on us. She had a great game against San Diego and continued it tonight. I thought Daylee (Hanson) did a good job coming off the bench and defending her.
The Vandal bench outscored Fullerton’s 26-17, while the Titans outrebounded the Vandals 42-37.
Idaho plays Washington 5 p.m. Nov. 22nd in Seattle.
Meredith Spelbring can be reached at [email protected]