ISU Bengal

Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Alisha Clark Andrea Lightfoot, #23, defends the ball for ISU against Northern Arizona last season.

The ISU women pounded Northern Arizona 85-70 in Reed Gym Saturday night in what may have been their most consistent game all year. Five Bengals scored in double digits for the second game in a row, and all but one scored on the night. The Bengals also had all players except one hit the boards for rebounds as they outrebounded the Lumberjacks 44-33 for the game, dominating offensively and defensively.

The Lumberjacks started their game on fire, but any delusions of grandeur quickly dissipated. With Idaho State down 12-2 with barely four minutes gone, Coach Jon Newlee brought Devin Diehl, Ally Sisel and Oana Iacovita into the game. The trio, along with strong defense from Andrea Lightfoot, quickly helped shut down Northern Arizona's offense while scoring 18 of ISU's next 20 points, to put the Bengals up 22-21 with eight and a half minutes left in the half.

Natalie Doma, Andrea Videbeck and Bianca Cheever then joined Michelle Grohs and Lightfoot in the game and continued to help dominate Northern Arizona with passing, rebounding and shooting as the Bengals went up 46-34 at halftime.

The second half went back and forth, with the Lumberjacks unable to get closer than nine points, and the Bengals stretching the lead out to as many as 19 points. No one player dominated for Idaho State. Whether it was the passing of Videbeck, Lightfoot and Grohs, rebounding by Doma, Iacovita and Sisel, or shooting by Doma, Diehl and Grohs, Northern Arizona could not dent the all-around play and build any momentum. Grohs and Lightfoot shot 100 percent from the free throw line down the stretch to seal Idaho State's 19th win of the season.

Doma scored 24 points with 10 rebounds to record her 23rd double-double of the year, while Grohs scored 12 points, with three rebounds and three assists. Lightfoot and Iacovita had 11 points each, while Diehl scored 10 points. Lightfoot and Andrea Videbeck also led the team with four assists each to highlight the effort. Idaho State also made 21 of 24 free throws on the night.

With one game to go, Idaho State is 19-8 overall in the Big Sky. They face Weber State at home on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. with the chance to make it a 20 win season. The Bengals are currently tied for second place, hoping for a Portland State loss to either Montana or Montana State this week. Their would give the Bengals a bye in the first round of the Big Sky tournament if they defeat Weber State.

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