Aggies storm Moscow, defeat Vandals
Junior guard Devyn Christensen finished with a team-high 22 points as the Utah State women’s basketball team beat Idaho 78-70 on in Moscow, Idaho, Saturday.
“(Devyn) is a fierce competitor,” head coach Raegan Pebley said. “That passion is something (that) becomes contagious for us.”
The Vandals — looking for their first conference win — started quickly. Sophomore guard Alyssa Charlston helped Idaho jump to an 8-2 lead in the first three minutes of play, before the Aggies offense was able to settle in.
Christensen answered with eight-straight points and the teams traded baskets before the Aggie defense clamped down and the Vandals went five minutes without scoring. Utah State used a 14-0 run to build a 38-25 lead.
“I was proud of how our defense produced in the first half,” Pebley said. “It got us good shot opportunities to help us go on a run to end the first half. We were able to be proactive off the ball. We got some deflections and steals, and it resulted in fast-break points.”
Christensen scored 19 first-half points and added three steals and two assists for the Aggies, en route to a 17-point halftime lead.
Utah State pushed its lead to 23, early in the second half, behind senior Ashlee Brown. The Arizona native finished with seven points, but made plays for her open teammates. Charlston caught fire in the second half and scored 19 points, including a jumper that pulled the Vandals within 10, with three and a half minutes remaining.
“(Charlston) is one of the better post players in our league,” Pebley said. “She is versatile, she combines nice passing with great finishes at the basket. She takes high percentage shots.”
Charlston — ranked No. 4 in the WAC in scoring — finished with 29 points on 12-19 shooting to lead all scorers.
The late surge wasn’t enough, though.
Nelson scored off an assist from Brown, and, on Utah State’s ensuing possession, Brown hit a jumper to push the lead back to 14 with just over two minutes remaining. The Vandals held the Aggies scoreless over the final minute and scored the game’s last five points for the final margin.
Idaho out-rebounded 32-29 and out-scored Utah State 41-32 in the second half, behind five blocks. The Aggies forced 22 turnovers — including 15 steals — and committed 13 themselves.
The Aggies improved to 13-6 with the win and 4-1 in WAC play. The Vandals fell to 5-16 and remained winless in the WAC at 0-5.
“We’ll take a road win,” Pebley said. “Understanding what needs to be done defensively to win on the road gives us confidence and momentum.”
Utah State continues its three-game road trip at San Jose State on Thursday, Feb. 2. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.
– curtis.lundstrom@aggiemail.usu.edu