CALDWELL, Idaho (Interstat) — The Idaho Vandals, showcasing the depth and late-game execution of a team with championship aspirations, overcame a determined Eastern Washington squad with a dominant fourth quarter to secure a 75-64 victory in a Big Sky Conference women’s basketball game Monday night at Idaho Central Credit Union Arena.

A crowd of 1,395 watched the Vandals, who improved to 26-5 overall, erase a narrow halftime deficit by outscoring the Eagles 29-18 in the final period. The win completed a regular-season sweep for Idaho, which had defeated Eastern Washington 69-63 on Jan. 3.

The game turned decisively in the fourth quarter. After three tightly contested periods, Idaho led just 46-42 entering the final 10 minutes. The Vandals then unleashed a 20-8 run over the first six and a half minutes of the quarter, transforming a four-point edge into a commanding 66-50 advantage from which Eastern Washington could not recover.

Hope Hassmann, a guard from Maple Valley, Washington, was the catalyst for Idaho’s closing surge. She scored 13 of her game-high 25 points in the fourth quarter, attacking the basket and drawing fouls to keep the Vandals’ offense flowing. Her layup with 8:43 remaining pushed the lead to eight, and her steal and subsequent three-pointer with just over two minutes left extended the margin to 67-59, effectively sealing the outcome.

Eastern Washington, which fell to 14-17, had controlled the first half behind efficient perimeter shooting. The Eagles connected on five three-pointers before halftime, with Ella Gallatin and Kourtney Grossman providing the offensive spark. The visitors led 38-34 at the intermission after building the advantage through the second quarter.

The Eagles’ offense, however, stalled dramatically in the third quarter, managing only eight points. Idaho’s defense tightened, forcing several turnovers and contested shots. While the Vandals only scored 12 points in the third themselves, they set the stage for their explosive finish by grinding down Eastern Washington’s rhythm.

Idaho’s victory was a product of balanced contributions beyond Hassmann’s scoring. Ana Pinheiro of Braga, Portugal, provided a steady interior presence with 14 points. Point guard Ella Uriarte of Folsom, California, directed the offense with five assists. The Vandals also benefited from a significant rebounding advantage, particularly on the offensive glass, with Debora Dos Santos of Rio de Janeiro grabbing multiple key boards among her 10 points.

For Eastern Washington, Gallatin led the way with a versatile scoring performance, but the Eagles lacked a consistent secondary option as the game wore on. The team’s shooting cooled considerably after halftime, and they struggled to contain Idaho’s penetration and offensive rebounding in the decisive final quarter.

The most important part of the game was Idaho’s immediate and overwhelming response to start the fourth quarter. With the outcome still very much in doubt, the Vandals opened the period with a 12-2 run in just over three minutes. This burst, fueled by Hassmann’s aggression and stifling team defense, transformed a tense, four-point contest into a double-digit lead that established full control and ultimately broke Eastern Washington’s spirit.

The game was a showcase of the conference’s top team flexing its strength when it mattered most. Idaho, with its deep roster featuring international talent from Brazil and Portugal alongside key domestic players, demonstrated the poise and firepower that has defined its successful season. Eastern Washington, despite a valiant effort for 30 minutes, could not sustain its early momentum against the Vandals’ relentless final push.