Idaho women clinch Big Sky championship after beating Northern Colorado 55-41

The Vandals won their first Big Sky title since 2018-19 despite an ugly performance on the court.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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The University of Idaho women's basketball team clinched the Big Sky Conference regular-season championship with a 55-41 victory over Northern Colorado. Idaho extended a 35-31 lead after three quarters to secure the win, despite shooting just 26% from the field and 2-of-25 from 3-point range. The Vandals' defense forced 23 Northern Colorado turnovers and hit 19-of-25 free throws to make up for their poor shooting.

Why it matters

This is Idaho's first Big Sky title since 2018-19, marking a significant accomplishment for the program. The Vandals have now won 13 straight games and are 25-5 overall, 16-1 in conference play. While the game was "really ugly" according to the coach, the Vandals proved their toughness and grit to secure the championship.

The details

Idaho extended a 35-31 lead after three quarters to a 55-41 win over Big Sky Conference third-place Northern Colorado. The Vandals shot just 17-of-64 (26%) from the field and 2-of-25 (8%) from 3-point range, but made up for it by hitting 19-of-25 free throws and forcing 23 Northern Colorado turnovers. Idaho's defense was the key, as they held the Bears to just 41 points.

  • Idaho has one game remaining against Eastern Washington on Monday.
  • Idaho's last loss was Jan. 10 at Montana State, 99-66. Since then, the Vandals have gone unbeaten.

The players

Debora dos Santos

Led Idaho with 11 rebounds.

Arthur Moreira

Idaho's head coach, acknowledged the game was "really ugly" but said "championship trophies don't recognize ugly, only winning."

Hope Hassmann

Led Idaho with 12 points.

Ana Pinheiro

Scored 11 points for Idaho.

Kyra Gardner

Scored 10 points for Idaho.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to look ugly, especially after playing at NAU and traveling.”

— Debora dos Santos (The Tribune)

“We got the job done, and I am really, really proud of everybody.”

— Debora dos Santos (The Tribune)

“We set basketball back about 40 years.”

— Arthur Moreira, Idaho Vandals head coach (The Tribune)

“At the end of the day it was just our will to win.”

— Hope Hassmann (The Tribune)

“As we went into this win streak, we realized we had a group that has what it takes.”

— Arthur Moreira, Idaho Vandals head coach (The Tribune)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.