With just three games left on the schedule, the Idaho women’s basketball team is in the hunt for the Big Sky’s No. 1 seed in the conference postseason tournament.
But to earn first in the Big Sky Conference standings, the Vandals will have to get through second-ranked Eastern Washington.
“We certainly know that it will be a battle, so we need to come ready,” said Idaho head coach Jon Newlee.
The last time the two teams met, the Eagles used an explosive third quarter to sink the Vandals. Eastern Washington stretched its lead to 48-33 midway through the quarter.
The Vandals didn’t go down without a fight. Senior guard Christina Salvatore and freshman guard Mikayla Ferenz launched the offensive comeback and combined for 24 points in the second half.
Idaho cut the deficit to three points late in the fourth quarter. But the Vandals were unable to seal the deal, as Eastern Washington sunk a layup and three free throws to end the game.
Idaho coach Jon Newlee thinks his team has improved since the loss in early January.
“I think we are playing better defensively as a team and as a unit,” Newlee said. “We’re rebounding the basketball a little better and sharing the basketball. We’ve got to keep moving the basketball.”
Idaho and Eastern Washington are both tied for second place in the league with a 12-3 record in conference play.
Newlee said one of the team’s priorities will be to apply defensive pressure on Eagles redshirt senior guard Haley Hodgins.
“Christina (Salvatore) guarded her the majority of the game last time, but you just never know,” Newlee said. “Maybe we will give her different (defensive) looks with different people.”
Last week Eastern Washington fell to Sacramento State, 94-91. Two days later, the Vandals scored 107 points en route to a 47-point win over the Hornets.
Seeding for the Big Sky tournament has yet to be determined, but Saturday’s game will play a key factor in deciding automatic byes for the conference postseason.
“Every win is important coming down the stretch,” Newlee said.
With the lack of a game Thursday night, the Vandals opted for a lighter practice schedule, taking Wednesday off from physical activity.
Idaho will travel to Cheney to face the Eagles at 2 p.m. Saturday at Reese Court.
Newlee says the chemistry of this year’s team reminds him of the two Vandal teams he coached to Western Athletic Conference championships.
“I hope our team is fired up to get back on the floor and compete and see what happens,” Newlee said.
Tess Fox can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @tesstakesphotos