FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Idaho State Bengals used a dominant second-half performance fueled by defensive pressure and interior scoring to overcome a slow start and defeat the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 79-70 in a Big Sky Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Walkup Skydome.

The game turned decisively in the third quarter after Northern Arizona had built an early lead. The Lumberjacks came out firing, connecting on four first-quarter three-pointers, including two from guard Audrey Taylor of Boise, Idaho, to take a 24-18 lead after one period. Naomi White of Omaha, Nebraska, was instrumental early for Northern Arizona, scoring 10 of her game-high 21 points in the opening frame.

Idaho State, however, began to chip away in the second quarter. The Bengals tightened their defense, forcing a series of Northern Arizona turnovers that led to transition opportunities. A key sequence saw guard Kacey Spink of Spokane, Washington, hit a three-pointer and then come up with a steal on the ensuing possession, part of a larger 12-4 run that brought Idaho State back into the game. Despite a last-second three-pointer by White to end the half, the Bengals had trimmed the deficit to 41-40 at the intermission.

The third quarter proved to be the pivotal stretch. Idaho State’s defense completely stifled the Northern Arizona offense. The Bengals forced eight Lumberjack turnovers in the period, converting them into easy baskets. Meanwhile, the Northern Arizona offense grew stagnant, managing just two field goals in the quarter’s final seven minutes. Idaho State held Northern Arizona to 17 points in the quarter while scoring 16 of their own to take a 56-58 lead, but more importantly, they seized all momentum.

Idaho State put the game away with a blistering start to the fourth quarter. They opened the final period on a 13-2 run, effectively sealing the outcome. The run was highlighted by an Alyse Aby three-pointer from Laurel, Montana, and relentless attacks in the paint. The Bengals’ interior dominance was a theme throughout the night, as they outscored Northern Arizona 48-24 in the paint and held a 10-5 advantage in offensive rebounds, leading to 18 second-chance points.

Spink led Idaho State with 17 points, while forward Piper Carlson of Albertville, Minnesota, added 16. Guard Aspen Caldwell of Idaho Falls, Idaho, directed the offense with six assists. For Northern Arizona, White’s 21 points led all scorers, and forward Madison Watts of San Pedro, California, filled the stat sheet with 13 points, three assists and a block. Guard Emma Dasovich of Surprise, Arizona, added 12 points.

The statistical disparity told the story of Idaho State’s comprehensive victory. The Bengals forced 17 Northern Arizona turnovers, converting them into 18 points, while committing only nine turnovers themselves. Idaho State also recorded 11 steals and 11 assists, showcasing active hands and unselfish play. Northern Arizona managed only two assists for the entire game, a testament to the Bengals’ disruptive defense that broke down the Lumberjacks’ offensive flow.

With the win, Idaho State improved to 15-7 overall and continued its strong form in conference play. Northern Arizona fell to 7-17. The game was attended by 343 fans. Idaho State next travels to face Northern Colorado on Saturday, while Northern Arizona will host Weber State the same day.