MOSCOW, Idaho - What started as a classic battle between in-state rivals gave way to a disjointed second-half stretch that enabled Boise State University to gain the upper hand in what wound up an 81-69 victory over the University of Idaho.

The Vandals (1-4) followed the lead of junior guard Dandrick Jones in scratching out a 38-33 halftime lead. But any momentum from that edge fizzled as the second half began and the Broncos (4-1) went on an 18-2 run to put UI in comeback mode.

During that span, it seemed as if the Broncos never left their end of the court as the Vandals appeared to fall increasingly out of sync.

"We've struggled with this all year - the ability to pay attention to detail and get the shooters," UI coach Leonard Perry said. "We were late. Every time we were late, we paid. We paid a price for it."

Compounding their defensive woes was a return of the offensive troubles that have on occasion haunted the Vandals and uncharacteristic ineffectiveness on the boards.

"We've been know to struggle to score since I've been here," Perry said. "We just didn't score during that period.

"We gave up second shot after second shot after second shot. (Jason) Ellis just killed us on the glass."

Ellis maneuvered almost at will inside for 19 rebounds to which he added 16 points. All told, BSU had a 39-34 edge on the boards.

Jones finished with a team-best 21 points for the Vandals but his scoring help throughout the night was sporadic. Dwayne Williams finished with 12 points and Tyrone Hayes had 10 to counter four BSU players in double digits - Jermaine Blackburn (18), Ellis (16), Aaron Hayes (15) and Bryan Defares (10).