A poor shooting night led to the Vandals dropping their season opener.
Idaho women’s basketball (0-1) traveled to Stillwater, OK to start 2019 against the Oklahoma State Cowgirls (1-0).
With this being the first game in over four years without the splash sisters and against a school from the Big XII conference, some offensive struggles were to be expected.
This may be a credit to the defense put on display, with neither team shooting above 28% in the first half.
Idaho allowed just 29 points in the first half, but the offense only scored in single digits in the first two quarters, going into halftime with just 17 points.
Both teams came into the second half with a new-found rhythm, they were able to get open looks while still going against high intensity defense.
But the Cowgirls began to pull away, going into the fourth with a 49-27 lead.
Despite a late 13-0 by the Vandals to bring it within 10 and outscoring Oklahoma State 20-13, OSU knocked down late free throws to seal the win at home.
Senior wing Lizzie Klinker led all scorers with a game-high 14 points, adding on a steal, rebound and assist while knocking down two shots from behind the arc.
But despite this, Idaho had trouble finding the bottom of the net, shooting 18-66 from the floor, 7-35 from three-point range.
Sophomore Gina Marxen had a tough night shooting despite adding eight points with three rebound and three assists, going 3-15 from the field and 2-13 from behind the arc.
A bright spot was seen in freshman wing Beyonce Bea. In her debut, Bea finished with seven points with 10 rebounds, leading the Vandals on the boards.
The Idaho defense played well with its 2-3 zone defense, holding the Cowgirl offense to 30% from the field and a low 15% from three-point range.
Idaho will make a quick pit stop in Moscow for its home opener before heading on a month-long road trip for a majority of the non-conference season.
Idaho hosts Colorado State 6 p.m. Nov. 13 in Memorial Gym.
Zack Kellogg can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @kellogg_zack.