MOSCOW, Idaho - Free throws were anything but free for the University of Idaho Vandals Saturday night. In reality, they were rather expensive as the Vandals faltered at the line en route to a 70-67 loss to in-state rival Boise State.

Idaho (0-6) made only 8-of-20 free throws.

"Sure. It hurt us," disappointed head coach Leonard Perry said. "I don't know what else to do (about it). I can't shoot it for them."

Boise State (4-2), which trailed for most of the game and overcame a 35-28 halftime deficit, was led by forward Jason Ellis. A 6-7 senior, Ellis connected on 10-of-12 field goal attempts and scored a game-high 23 points.

"In terms of hurting us, and hurting our chances to win," Perry said, "he's done it before."

Ellis grabbed 19 rebounds in BSU's win at Moscow last year.

Four Vandals - Dandrick Jones, Tanoris Shepard, Dillon Higdon and Anton Lyons ?€“scored in double figures. Shepard led the team with 17 points.

Higdon hit four 3-pointers and scored 14 points. He took two potential game-tying shots in the final 12 seconds, yet both were rushed and highly contested by BSU defenders.

The Vandals led 62-58 going into the last five minutes but had trouble adjusting to BSU's zone defense. The Broncos, meanwhile, hit their stride on offense exactly when they needed.

"Those kids will get up to play against Idaho," Perry said. "I thought they did a good job."

"If we can be efficient we can play pretty well," BSU coach Greg Graham said. "Any time you can get a dual attack - start scoring from inside and outside - you're going to be more effective because they can't guard you both ways."

The Vandals' compete next at Pocatello against Idaho State Wednesday.