MOSCOW, Idaho-- Three-point shooting helped host Idaho build an early lead, defeating the University of North Dakota, 92-65, in the Big Sky Conference opener for both teams. Idaho made 9-of-12 from deep in the opening half en route to the win.

"We got out-played, but we didn't get out-classed," UND head coach Travis Brewster said. "Give credit where it's due, they took it to us. It was a good, old-fashioned butt-whooping."

Christina Salvatore's first of five three-pointers gave the home team an early 5-2 lead and the Vandals piled up a 21-9 lead through the first quarter of play. Salvatore would finish the opening half 5-of-5 from deep as Idaho (9-4, 1-0) jumped out to a 50-23 advantage at the break.

North Dakota (4-8, 0-1) called on its bench to play extended minutes in the game and it responded. Sophomore Ellie Ripplinger scored a career-best nine points while freshmen Jill Morton and Fallyn Freije each added eight points in reserve roles.

North Dakota was led by Leah Szabla's 11 points, but the North Dakota bench combined for 39 points in the loss. Sophomore Ellie Ripplinger scored a career-best nine while Jill Morton and Fallyn Freije each added eight off the bench for UND. North Dakota out-scored the Vandals, 23-16, in the final period.

Salvatore led all scorers with 21, adding seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. Geraldine McCorkill added 20 off the bench while Renae Mokrzyncki chipped in a dozen for Idaho, who picked up its first win over UND as a Big Sky member.

UND heads to Eastern Washington Saturday for a 4:00 p.m. tip.

Notes: North Dakota leads the all-time sereis, 3-2, but Idaho's win today is its first as a Big Sky member ... UND's last win away from the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center came on Jan. 29, 2015 ... Kanani Asuncion played a career-high 11 minutes and finished with four points for a personal best.