OGDEN, Utah (March 15, 2017) – The Idaho Vandals have postseason experience, and that experience loomed large in a WBI opening round win over Mountain West rival Utah State.
The Vandals, who formerly faced the Aggies on a yearly basis when both were conference mates, picked up a 64-57 win over Utah State, advancing to the second round of the tournament. Idaho will face either Eastern Washington or Texas State in the second round.
The Vandals held a 27-25 lead at halftime, before outscoring the Aggies 25-13 in the third quarter. Idaho limited Utah State to just 29 percent shooting from distance in the game, making just 7-of-24 three-point shots. Additionally, the Aggies made just 2-of-6 free throws, compared to Idaho’s 14-of-16.
Taylor Pierce led the Vandals with 19 points. Also, Mikayla Ferenz scored 13 points.
Idaho’s last game came in a Big Sky quarterfinal matchup in Reno with Eastern Washington. The Eagles earned a 73-64 victory in that matchup.