DAVIS, Calif. (Interstat) — The UC Davis women’s basketball team used a balanced offensive attack and capitalized on Idaho’s mistakes to secure an 89-76 victory in a non-conference game Friday afternoon at The Pavilion.

A crowd of 5,567 saw the Aggies improve to 2-0 on the young season, while the Vandals evened their record at 1-1.

The game was a back-and-forth affair through the first half. Idaho, coming off a dramatic road win against Washington State, started strong, taking a 19-18 lead after the first quarter behind the play of Ana Pinheiro. The sophomore from Braga, Portugal, was a force for the Vandals, finishing with a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds while also dishing out six assists.

UC Davis began to create separation in the second quarter, outscoring Idaho 21-13 to take a 39-32 lead into halftime. The Aggies’ defense was key, generating turnovers that led to 25 points off those miscues over the course of the game. Idaho managed just 14 points off turnovers.

The third quarter turned into an offensive showcase, with the teams combining for 57 points. Idaho’s offense exploded for 31 points in the period, but UC Davis answered with 26 of its own to maintain control, leading 65-63 heading into the final frame. The Vandals’ Kyra Gardner, a 5-foot-11 guard from Raymond, Washington, heated up in the quarter, finishing the game with 16 points.

UC Davis put the game away in the fourth, holding Idaho to just 13 points while adding 24 to its own total. The Aggies’ depth and scoring balance proved too much for the Vandals. Four UC Davis players scored in double figures, led by Ryann Bennett. The 5-foot-8 guard from Long Beach, California, stuffed the stat sheet with 21 points, six assists, four rebounds and two blocks.

Nya Epps, a 5-foot-10 guard from El Cerrito, California, added 19 points and three assists, while Tegan Young, a 6-foot-1 forward from Leominster, Massachusetts, contributed 17 points and eight rebounds. In the post, Megan Norris was a defensive anchor. The 6-foot-3 center from Menlo Park, California, recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds to go along with three blocks.

Despite the loss, Idaho found success inside, outscoring UC Davis 40-30 in the paint. Lorena Vitoria Barbosa Anunciacao, a 6-foot-5 post from Itatiba, Brazil, provided a presence off the bench with 10 points and seven rebounds. Sarah Brans also added eight points for the Vandals.

Idaho will look to rebound at home against Walla Walla on Sunday. UC Davis hits the road for its next contest, facing Weber State on Wednesday.