PHOENIX (Interstat) — The Idaho State Bengals used a dominant third-quarter surge and a disruptive defensive effort to defeat the Grand Canyon Antelopes 67-55 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Grand Canyon University Arena.

In a game where statistical projections heavily favored the home team, the Bengals improved to 2-0 on the young season by flipping the script. After holding a 25-18 lead at halftime, Idaho State broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring Grand Canyon 23-20 to build a comfortable double-digit advantage they would not relinquish.

The Antelopes, who fell to 0-2, were plagued by turnovers and inefficient offense throughout the contest. Grand Canyon committed 24 turnovers, which Idaho State converted into 22 points. The Bengals’ defense was relentless, tallying 13 steals and forcing the Antelopes into a difficult shooting night. Grand Canyon managed just 16 field goals on 42 attempts and struggled from the free-throw line, making only 17 of 28 attempts.

Idaho State’s offense, while not spectacular, was more effective and opportunistic. The Bengals shot 26 for 63 from the floor and capitalized on their chances inside, outscoring Grand Canyon 32-18 in the paint. They also took better care of the ball, committing only 14 turnovers.

Tasia Jordan led the way for Idaho State with a game-high 20 points, falling just one rebound short of a double-double with nine. Piper Carlson provided a significant offensive punch with 16 points, while Kacey Spink filled the stat sheet with 13 points and five assists. Sophia Covello facilitated the offense effectively, matching Spink with five assists.

Grand Canyon was led by Chloe Mann, who scored 21 points in 33 minutes of action. However, she received limited support from her teammates. Sifa Joyeuse added nine points for the Antelopes, and Julianna LaMendola contributed six points and six rebounds.

The game was a tale of two halves for Idaho State, which started strong with a 15-point first quarter before a sluggish 10-point second period. The Bengals rediscovered their rhythm after halftime, using their 23-point third quarter to seize control for good. Grand Canyon mounted a challenge in the fourth, scoring 17 points, but could never close the gap to a single-digit deficit as Idaho State answered with 19 points of its own to secure the 12-point victory.

A crowd of 3,021 at GCU Arena watched as the Bengals handed the Antelopes their second consecutive loss to open the season. Idaho State now looks ahead to a home game against UC Irvine on Wednesday. Grand Canyon will try to secure its first win on the road at Oregon on Tuesday.