MOSCOW, Idaho (Interstat) — The Idaho Vandals defeated the Idaho State Bengals 81-68 in a women’s basketball game Thursday night at Idaho Central Credit Union Arena. Idaho built a lead with a strong first quarter and maintained control throughout the Big Sky Conference matchup. The Vandals improved to 12-5 overall, while the Bengals fell to 10-6. Tasia Jordan led Idaho State with 23 points. Alyse Aby added 15 points for the Bengals. Idaho’s offense was more balanced, with four players scoring in double figures, led by Kyra Gardner’s 13 points and Debora Dos Santos’ 12 points and four blocked shots. Idaho shot efficiently from the floor to secure the victory in front of 507 fans.

CALDWELL, Idaho (Interstat) — The Idaho Vandals used a balanced offensive attack and a disruptive defensive presence to pull away from the Idaho State Bengals for an 81-68 victory in a Big Sky Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Idaho Central Credit Union Arena. In a contest defined by runs, the Vandals (12-5, 3-1 Big Sky) seized control with a decisive third-quarter surge after a tightly contested first half. Leading 37-28 at halftime, Idaho opened the third period with an 8-2 run, capped by a 3-pointer from Ana Pinheiro, to extend their lead to 45-30. The Bengals (10-6, 2-2) struggled to find consistent offense against Idaho’s interior defense, which recorded seven blocks and forced 16 turnovers. The most important stretch of the game came late in the third quarter and bled into the fourth, effectively extinguishing Idaho State’s hopes. After the Bengals cut the deficit to 50-42, the Vandals responded with a 13-3 run spanning the quarter break. Debora Dos Santos, who anchored the defense with four blocks, also contributed offensively during the key sequence. The run gave Idaho a commanding 63-45 lead with 8:13 remaining in the game, a margin the Bengals could not overcome despite a 25-point fourth-quarter effort. Idaho’s victory was a product of efficient offense and defensive pressure. The Vandals posted an offensive rating of 104.7, scoring 81 points on 77 possessions, while holding Idaho State to an 88.7 rating. Idaho shot 42.2% from the field and connected on 9 of 28 from 3-point range. They also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 18 of 26 attempts. The Vandals won the battle on the glass with 15 offensive rebounds leading to 18 second-chance points. Idaho State was led by a game-high 23 points from guard Tasia Jordan. Alyse Aby added 15 points for the Bengals, who shot just 37.1% overall and a frigid 3 of 17 from beyond the arc. While they committed only 12 turnovers and made 13 of 14 free throws, their inability to generate easy baskets against Idaho’s length proved decisive. The Vandals showcased their depth, with four players scoring in double figures. Kyra Gardner led the way with 13 points, while Pinheiro and Lorena Vitoria Barbosa Anunciacao each added 14. Dos Santos filled the stat sheet with 12 points, two assists and her four blocks. Hope Hassmann directed the offense with a game-high five assists to go with nine points. Idaho set the tone early, winning the opening tip and scoring the game’s first six points. The Bengals responded, and a 3-pointer from Aby tied the game at 11-11 midway through the first quarter. The Vandals closed the quarter on a 10-3 run, however, taking a 21-14 lead they would not relinquish. Idaho State stayed within striking distance in the second quarter, trailing by nine at the half, but the Vandals’ third-quarter defense, which held the Bengals to 15 points on 26.7% shooting, created the separation needed for the comfortable win. The announced attendance was 507. According to National Statistical’s ELO system, Idaho entered the game with a 69.10 percent probability to win. Idaho looks to continue its conference success when it hosts Weber State on Saturday. Idaho State aims to rebound on the road at Eastern Washington, also on Saturday.

Idaho, Idaho State Set for Key Big Sky Showdown CALDWELL, Idaho (Interstat) — A pivotal early conference matchup is set for Thursday when the Idaho Vandals host the Idaho State Bengals in a women’s basketball rivalry game at Idaho Central Credit Union Arena. Both teams enter with strong overall records, though recent results have diverged. The Vandals (11-5) are looking to rebound from a 99-66 road loss at Montana State on Saturday. The Bengals (10-5) arrive with momentum after a 59-46 home victory over Northern Arizona that same day. The game features two of the Big Sky’s standout performers. Idaho State is led by guard Tasia Jordan, who scored 18 points in the win over Northern Arizona and has been a consistent offensive force. She poured in 26 points in a nonconference win at Utah Valley last month. Idaho counters with guard Ana Pinheiro, who tallied 15 points in the loss to Montana State. She has been a key contributor during the Vandals’ successful start, including a 19-point performance in a December rout of Western Oregon. The Vandals hold a slight edge in the standings, but the Bengals have won three of their last four, including two road games to open conference play. Idaho’s defense, which allowed 99 points in its last outing, will be tested by Jordan and a Bengals attack that has shown balance. In the win over Northern Arizona, Piper Carlson added 10 points and four blocks, while Kacey Spink dished five assists. For Idaho, production beyond Pinheiro will be crucial. Debora Dos Santos provided 10 points off the bench in the last game, and Ella Uriarte is a steady backcourt presence. This contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the in-state foes. They will meet again in Pocatello on Feb. 14. The outcome will provide early positioning in a competitive Big Sky Conference race. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.