The University of Idaho women’s basketball team opened its 2026-27 season on a high note, defeating Saint Martin’s 71-47 in front of more than 2,590 fans in Moscow on Monday, Nov. 2. The reigning Big Sky champions showed little sign of slowing down, using strong defensive pressure and balanced scoring to secure a 24-point victory.
The Vandals started slowly, taking several minutes to find their rhythm offensively. After the teams were tied 4-4 midway through the opening quarter, Idaho began creating separation behind baskets from junior Ana Pinheiro and sophomore Katlin Kangur. The Vandals finished the first quarter with a 17-11 advantage.
Idaho’s defense took control in the second quarter, holding the Saints to just four points over the entire period. The defensive effort helped the Vandals build an eight-point scoring run and extend their lead to 14 heading into halftime.
The momentum continued after the break as Idaho maintained control on both ends of the floor. Junior Ella Uriarte helped lead the offensive push, while sophomore Brynna Pukis contributed from beyond the arc. Idaho continued to find opportunities in transition and used its defensive pressure to prevent Saint Martin’s from building any momentum.
The Vandals carried their advantage into the fourth quarter, continuing to force turnovers and create scoring opportunities. Uriarte added another steal before taking the ball down the court for a layup, extending Idaho’s lead to 63-38.
Freshman Jacey Boesel also helped fuel the defensive effort with a forced turnover late in the game. The possession eventually led to a driving layup from Pukis after an assist from junior Aniyah Riddell.
Uriarte led Idaho in scoring with 12 points and four steals, setting a new career high in steals. Riddell also made an immediate impact, recording 10 points while shooting a perfect 2-of-2 from the field and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.
Senior Keanna Salave’a led the Vandals with nine rebounds in her first appearance for Idaho. Kangur, who earned her first career start, and senior Hope Hassmann each recorded two assists. Pinheiro contributed defensively with two blocks.
Seven Vandals made their Idaho debuts, including sophomore Reese de Groot, Salave’a, Boesel, freshman Bailey Nettleton, junior Alexia Dagba, Riddell and Pukis.
The defensive performance continued a trend under head coach Arthur Moreira. The victory marked the fifth time during the Moreira era that Idaho has held an opponent below 50 points, showing the defensive identity the Vandals have continued to build.
With a 24-point victory to open the season, Idaho will look to carry that momentum into its next matchup.
The Vandals will travel to Spokane, Washington, on Friday, Nov. 6, to take on Gonzaga. The match is scheduled for 6 p.m.