Idaho women upset Seattle U. 67-64 to win WAC title

LAS VEGAS — Idaho had to dig deep to secure its first trip to the “Big Dance” since 1985.

Stacey Barr had 16 points and 11 rebounds Saturday to lead the Vandals to a 67-64 upset of top-seeded Seattle in the Western Athletic Conference championship game.

Trailing 45-40 with 11:14 left in the game, the third-seeded Vandals (17-15) clamped down with a stingy defense while capitalizing on a 17-7 run to seize control of the game and hold on for the victory and automatic NCAA tournament berth.

It was Idaho’s first-ever appearance in the WAC championship game and the first time the Vandals had played for a conference title since the 2005 Big West championship, a loss to UC Santa Barbara.

Barr was one of four Vandals to score in double figures, along with Alyssa Charlston (15 points), Ali Forde (11 points, seven rebounds) and Connie Ballestero (10 points).

“When things started going bad, they really were digging down,” Idaho coach Jon Newlee said. “They learned that over the course of the year, that basketball is going to be up and down, and it’s not going to be perfect.

“Our younger players are even-keeled on the basketball floor. They don’t panic, so I think right there … they’ve learned to trust one another. Everybody has to do their share, and they know that and trust one another.”

Seattle (20-10) also had four players in double figures, led by WAC player of the year Kacie Sowell’s 17 points.

“I could have been a little smarter inside,” Sowell said. “We can look at all the mistakes, but we have to look forward.”

The Vandals shot 44 percent from the field, including 6 of 20 from 3-point range.

“I think the confidence level that coach has in all of us is what makes the difference, when we need to step up the most,” Charlston said.

Seattle, which had its nine-game win streak snapped, made a last-ditch effort in the final 24 seconds. Down 67-60, Daidra Brown slashed for a layup to cut the lead to 67-62. Following a 30-second timeout, the Redhawks forced a turnover as Addie Schivo’s errant inbounds pass caromed off Barr and back out of bounds.

Brown’s attempt at another layup missed, but Sylvia Shephard grabbed the rebound and followed with a lay-in to cut the lead to 67-64. Another Idaho turnover gave Seattle the ball back with 7 seconds left.

Shephard fired a 3-pointer from the top of the key but missed wide right. Brown grabbed the rebound, dribbled the ball out and fired from just beyond the arc, but she also missed as time expired.

Despite the loss, Seattle is still expected to get a bid from the WNIT.

“That was a disappointing loss for us, and give all the credit to Idaho,” said Seattle coach Joan Bonvicini, who was named the WAC coach of the year. “(Idaho) hit some early 3s and put us down early. We had every opportunity to win this game. We have to use it as fuel for the next game.”

Barr was named most valuable player of the tournament and was joined on the all-tournament team by Charlston, Sowell, Shephard and Devyn Christensen (Utah State).

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.