After a commanding win over Northern Arizona, the Vandals will look to cement a spot in the Big Sky Championship game. But first, the tournament’s No. 1 seed needs to get past Portland State.
Big Sky blowout:
Idaho continued its conference domination, only fitting for a team led by the Big Sky MVP.
A promising start for Northern Arizona quickly dissipated by the second half. The Lumberjacks began the game matching each of Idaho’s baskets, and a stalwart defense kept player separation at a minimum. But the Idaho defense swarmed NAU beyond the arc in the second half, allowing just four baskets out of 12.
Idaho Head Coach Jon Newlee said his team’s defense allowed for the offense to get back in its groove for the second half, and if Idaho wants shots to sink early in Wednesday’s game, it will be up to the defense to make sure that happens.
Making a splash in the capital:
The one-two punch of Taylor Pierce and Mikayla Ferenz proved too much for an underwhelming Lumberjack defense, and the Vandals notched 55 combined points courtesy of the Splash Sisters. At this point in the season, the Idaho seniors are playing on borrowed time.
The program might not see another duo like Ferenz and Pierce again. One loss means the end of the line for these two, so expect them to put everything they’ve got into the final games of the tournament and possibly beyond.
The opponent — Portland State:
The Vikings overcame Montana State 68-56 mere hours after Idaho moved on to the tournament semifinals. Portland State lacks standout scorers like Ferenz and Pierce, but forward Courtney West recorded eight buckets in 11 shots, serving as one of the team’s leading scorer on the afternoon. Meanwhile, guards Sidney Riley and Kyle Jimenez succeeded, if not meagerly, beyond the arc. The total of five 3-pointers by Portland State, however, will likely not prove sufficient when compared to the break-neck Idaho offensive pace. The Splash Sisters alone recorded eight baskets from downtown, but if the Vandals want to solidify a commanding win en route to a championship, the Idaho bench will have to heat up.
The Klinker sisters provided the necessary spark outside of Idaho’s dynamic duo. Natalie and Lizzy Klinker combined for 14 points — all in the paint — and according to Newlee added a fiery spirit for the Silver and Gold.
Where/When:
Idaho will take on the Portland State Vikings 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in CenturyLink Arena in Boise.
Brandon Hill can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @brandonmtnhill