The Bengals played a well-rounded game as they opened up their shot selection giving their talents at the three-point range a chance to shine as well as displaying ISU's ability to post a strong offensive threat inside. ISU was 5-for-8 from the arc, 62.5 percent, for the first half alone, helped by senior Michelle Grohs who posted a perfect 3-for-3 effort.
The Bengals started off strong catching as Montana Western posted small streaks to post their biggest lead of two points with 4:49 left in the first half. After a strategic ISU timeout by head coach Sobolewski, the Bengals sparked a 19-6 run, that began from an open three by Grohs.
"When we needed a big shot Michelle hit it," said head coachSeton Sobolewski. "Then as a coach I felt comfortable setting something up for her, when it was 22-20, Michelle got an open shot and she knocked down a three. She plays well at home."
Swing player Grohs left her mark on the run, sparking it with a three and ending it with a jumper to record 12 points in just over four minutes. The run was also influenced by a solid Bengal defense that made good shot selection difficult for the Bulldogs as ISU increased its trapping and pressing effort. The Bengals recorded an 11-point lead at the half, Idaho State's largest of the season.
Three Bengals posted double-digits in scoring. Grohs had a solid first half missing only one shot the entire half to record 6-of-7 from the field and she also made good at the free throw line going 2-for-2 to capture 17 points in the first period alone. She would record 19 points at the final buzzer. Grohs was one rebound shy of a double-double as she pulled down six defensive and three offensive.
Guards sophomore Chelsea Pickering and Sheila Adams posted 13 and 11 points respectively , both posting career-highs. Pickering was 5-for-9 in the field going 1-of-2 from the arc while Adams was 4-of-7 from the field and 1-for-3 at the arc. Both were perfect at the line hitting 2-of-2 each. They guards also shared stats in steals and assists at two apiece.
