Idaho women’s basketball makes strong defensive home debut in win over Colorado State

Idaho came back after last week’s loss from Oklahoma State to beat Colorado State in a close 61-54 win at home.

The game started off with a free throw by Vandal Natalie Klinker. Colorado State maintained a close follow throughout the first quarter. Idaho started showing their defense early with 12 defensive rebounds in the first quarter.

The second quarter showed momentum with both teams picking up the pace. Halfway through the quarter, Caitlyn Jones scored a three pointer bringing a stronger lead of 24-13. The Vandals maintained the lead throughout the rest of the game. Idaho scored 23 points in the second, which was the most points scored throughout the quarters.

Idaho showed strong defense with their rebounds showing 47%. Gina Marxen came out with 12 rebounds throughout the whole game, followed by Lizzy Klinker with 7.

“Smallest kid on the floor, biggest heart,” said Head Coach Jon Newlee about Marxen.

“We played great team defense and we shared the ball really well,” said freshman Cailtyn Jones.

The third quarter had Colorado State catching up after a small deficit. Colorado’s Makenzie Ellis scored three points making the score 39-31. This created a small gap for Colorado, which remained close until the end of the game.

The fourth quarter created slight tension with Colorado’s Annie Brady scoring two points to bring the score to the closest it was all night, 53-50. The Vandals held them off to the end with Marxen making the final score of the game. Most of Idaho’s free throws were successful throughout the game, though especially in the fourth with 75% making it.

“It was nice to come out and shoot with no fear,” said Newlee.

Idaho showed up well, having to play a team in the Mountain West Conference.

“We loved getting the one home win that we got,” said Newlee.

The game was the last home game for a while. Idaho will not play at home until December 21.

“We got to be road warriors. We have a long stretch of road games and we have to be mentally tough and physically tough,” said Newlee on the upcoming stretch of away games.

Idaho will play University of San Francisco Women’s Basketball at San Francisco Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.

Sierra Pesnell can be reached at [email protected]