Idaho and Montana’s storied, fierce rivalry tipped off its next chapter in Dahlberg Arena, where two teams on opposite sides of the standings put their records aside in pursuit of a rivalry victory.
Behind a career-high 28 points and 11 rebounds from senior guard Kyra Gardner, the Vandals returned to Dahlberg for the second consecutive year and left victorious. Idaho defeated Montana 67-50 to improve to (11-4, 2-0).
Head coach Arthur Moreira was proud of his team in the victory.
“I thought the game was a little sped up in the first quarter, but we settled down after that and were able to run a good offense,” Moreira said in Idaho Athletics press release. “It is good to see our defense come up big here in the first two conference games. It’s hard to win on the road and especially in Missoula, so I am proud of our effort!”
The Grizzlies played without their leader, senior guard Mack Konig, who was sidelined with an injury. In her absence, Montana struggled mightily on offense, lacking the downhill presence and passing ability that typically fuels their rhythm.
Both teams came out sloppy early, with turnovers piling up on both ends. Idaho’s fast-tempo offense created problems for Montana’s defense, but the Vandals’ carelessness with the basketball kept the Grizzlies within striking distance.
Gardner knocked down her first points of the game early in the first quarter. When sophomore guard Ana Pinheiro drove from the left corner, spun toward the basket and kicked it out, Gardner caught the pass on the wing and swished a three-pointer without hesitation to give Idaho the lead. Both teams continued to struggle, and the Vandals held just a 14-11 advantage after one quarter.
Idaho caught fire in the second quarter behind Gardner, who rattled off eight straight points to push the lead into double digits. The Vandals found their rhythm defensively, their full court pressure and tight man to man defense were huge throughout the game, forcing 12 Grizzly turnovers and taking a 29-19 lead into halftime.
After a sluggish first half that saw Idaho commit 11 turnovers, the Vandals cleaned up their play in the third quarter. Gardner continued her assault with contested jumpers, three-pointers and steals on the defensive end, scoring 11 points in the period.
With the ball in her hands on the final possession of the third quarter, Gardner surveyed the defense as the clock ticked down. She drove hard, created space with her dribble, and knocked down a fadeaway jumper to put Idaho up 54-40 heading into the fourth quarter, giving her 23 points for the game.
The Vandals maintained their intensity in the fourth, emphasizing drives to the basket. Junior guard Hope Hassmann set the tone by blowing past her defender for a layup. Hassmann finished with 12 points and three rebounds.
Idaho’s defensive pressure continued to suffocate the Grizzlies, holding them to just 50 points on 32% shooting. Sophomore guard Jocelyn Land led Montana with 15 points, connecting on three of her six three-point attempts. Beyond shooting 11-of-28 from three-point range, the Grizzlies found little success offensively.
Idaho, meanwhile, shot 51% from the floor (26-of-51), made 5-of-15 from beyond the arc and forced 23 turnovers. The Vandals will make the short drive to Bozeman to take on Montana State (10-4, 3-0). Tipoff between the Vandals and Bobcats from Worthington Arena is Saturday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m.