Freshman Megan Moon |
POCATELLO, Idaho -- Sacramento State shot 39.7 percent from the floor and was outrebounded, 46-35, as Idaho State defeated the Hornets, 77-62, in a Big Sky Conference women’s basketball game Thursday evening at Reed Gym.Four Bengals scored in double figures comprising Cristal Fernandez (15), Ashley Toner (14), Halli Hickman (13) and Laraine Skow (12) as the team shot 42.9 percent (27-63) from the floor, including 41.7 percent (5-12) from beyond the three-point line.
Sacramento State went to the free throw line a season-low six times (converting four) as Idaho State was whistled for just 10 fouls in the contest. Conversely, Idaho State went 18-of-23 (78.3 percent) from the free throw line.
With the victory, Idaho State snapped a five-game losing streak while improving to 5-10 overall and 1-2 in the Big Sky. Sacramento State lost for the 23rd-straight time on the road while dropping to 2-14 and 0-3 in the conference. The Hornets have also lost 26-consecutive games against Big Sky opponents.
The Bengals jumped out to a 25-10 lead at the 11:36 mark of the first half and cruised into halftime with a 44-24 lead. The Hornets shot just 31.3 percent (10-32) from the field with 10 turnovers in the first half while Idaho State shot 48.4 percent (15-31) in the opening frame.
Sacramento State responded by opening the second half on an 18-7 run to trim the Bengals’ lead to 51-42 at the 12:42 mark. Idaho State then went on a 6-0 run, including four points from Hickman, to push the lead back to 15 points (57-42) at the 11:38 mark. Sacramento State would get no closer than within 12 points of the Bengal lead the rest of the way. The Hornets’ only lead of the game was a short-lived 2-0 margin in the opening stages of the contest.
Sacramento State, which outscored Idaho State, 38-33, in the second half, had three players finishing in double figures including junior Danielle Iceman (team-high 16 points) and freshmen Sarah Craig (14 points) and Megan Moon (12 points and a career-high four three-pointers). No Hornet recorded more than six rebounds as the team’s two starting guards (Sydney Gatson and Diane Peterson) both finished with six boards.
Iceman was the Hornets’ leading scorer for the second-consecutive game and third time in the last four contests. Craig scored in double figures for the sixth-consecutive game and 13th time overall this season.
Sacramento State returns to action this Saturday, Jan. 25, on the road against Weber State. Game time is 6:05 p.m. PST.
