Idaho Vandal women’s basketball dominated the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers in an 84-70 win in Boise Thursday night.
Idaho (4-7) took a commanding victory over Eastern Oregon (12-3) to snap its three-game losing streak.
It was an early battle between the Vandals and the Mountaineers, with both teams hoping to pull away early. With the game tied at 21 with eight minutes left in the second quarter, the Vandals finally got things rolling.
Idaho finished the half on a 21-11 run, with a 42-32 lead. The Idaho defense held the Mountaineer offense from scoring for a three-minute span throughout Idaho’s run.
Junior guard Mikayla Ferenz lead the way scoring in the first half, adding 14 points and five rebounds on the half as well. Junior guard Taylor Pierce followed close behind with 13 points. Ferenz and Pierce combined for 27 of the Vandals 42 first half points.
The second half showed more of the Vandals scoring dominance, holding the lead for the rest of the game. The Vandals finished nearly 50 percent shooting from the field in the second half, as well as 5-12 from 3-point range.
Pierce and Ferenz continued to lead the way for the Vandals combining for 50 of Idaho’s 84 points. Pierce finished as the leading scorer with 29 points, Ferenz following close behind with 21 points adding eight rebounds as well.
Rebounding was a staple for the Vandals tonight, out rebounding the Mountaineers 49-28. Idaho won the battle of the boards on the offensive side, out rebounding Eastern Oregon 14-3.
It was a block party for the Vandals as well, blocking five of the Mountaineers shots throughout the game.
Idaho head coach Jon Newlee loved having the rocking Boise crowd on their side.
“It was great, we loved seeing that crowd.” Newlee said. “It was great for us to be able to come down and showcase our team to all the alumni, boosters and fans that are down here that don’t get a chance to see us play.
With Idaho breaking their three-game losing streak, the Vandals are looking to keep up the momentum after the holiday break.
The Idaho Vandals look to start Big Sky play against North Dakota December 28 at 6 p.m. in the Cowan Spectrum.
Chris Deremer can be reached at [email protected]