The Idaho women’s basketball team defeated Sacramento State 72-58, marking head coach Jon Newlee’s 143rd victory at Idaho — edging out Pat Dobratz record for most career wins.
Newlee said the atmosphere was rather emotional after meeting the milestone.
“Those girls surprised me and dosed me with a bunch of water. They had written stuff on the board, so that was great,” Newlee said in a news release. “They made it special for me in that locker room. That is what it is about. It is about those kids and players through the years.”
The Vandals limited the Hornets to two 3-pointers throughout the game — the lowest amount since 2012 for Sacramento State.
Sophomore guard Taylor Pierce kicked off the game for the Vandals with a long 3-pointer. Idaho continued its efforts around the perimeter, hitting five 3-pointers in the first quarter, compared to Sacramento State’s two attempts.
Idaho defense held Sacramento State 0-7 from behind the 3-point line. On the offensive end, Idaho finished the half shooting 38.9 percent from beyond the arc. The Vandals walked into the locker room leading 33-21 at the half.
“I thought we did a great job of really sticking to the game plan, playing really great perimeter defense,” Newlee said. “We challenged our guys with a lot of one-on-one stuff today.”
Idaho outscored Sacramento State 29-16 in the second half.
Four Vandals scored in double figures.
Sophomore guard Mikayla Ferenz finished the night with 17 points and eight rebounds. Senior guard Karlee Wilson finished with 11 points, along with five rebounds and four assists. Junior post Brooke Reilly and Pierce both earned 10 points.
Newlee said he was happy with the overall defensive performance from the team.
“To come out with the type of defensive intensity, especially on the second game of the road trip, was unbelievable,” Newlee said. “I told them that was our best defensive effort of the season.”
The Vandals face Northern Colorado at 6 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Cowan Spectrum.
Mihaela Karst can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @mihaela_jo