MOSCOW, Idaho – Big Sky play did not get out to the start Idaho (3-9, 0-1) had hoped for, falling to Idaho State (5-5, 1-0) in the ICCU Battle of the Domes, 72-55.
 
THE GAME
 
After a slow start from both squads, the Vandals took over behind 12 quick points from Cameron Tyson to take a 21-17 lead midway through the half.  Idaho State bounced back quickly, with 16 straight points, to take control and build a 42-28 lead at the break.
 
ISU connected on a couple quick buckets to open the second half, before a 6-0 run by Trevon Allen was able to cut the deficit to 46-40 at the first media timeout of the second half.  That would be as close as the Vandals would get, with the Bengals picking up the tempo from there to regain a double-digit lead they would not look back from.  ISU would go on to win, 72-55.
 
Idaho struggled to get going from the field, hitting 18-of-54 (33.3%) from the floor and just 2-of-15 (13.3%) from beyond the arc.  The Vandals were outrebounded, 42-36, on the night.
 
Tyson led the way for Idaho with 19 points on the night, going 7-of-14 from the floor.  Allen finished with seven points off the bench, playing limited minutes after missing the week of practice due to illness.
 
THE NAME
 
Cassius Smits-Francisco.  Smits-Francisco earned his first career start on Saturday night.  He played 27 minutes, the most of his career, and finished with six points and eight rebounds.  His six points ties his Division I high, while his eight boards are a new personal best against a D1 team.  Smits-Francisco also tied for the team-high at plus-four.
 
THE NOTES
 
Idaho falls to 3-9 on the year, 0-1 in Big Sky play.
 
Idaho dropped its Big Sky opener for just the second time since rejoining the league ahead of the 2014-15 season.
 
Smits-Francisco posted a Division I high of eight rebounds, while tying a D1 high with six points.
 
Khadim Samb made his collegiate debut.  He finished the night with five rebounds, including two offensive, to go along with two points from the free throw line.
 
THE QUOTES
 

 
Big Sky Conference play continues on Monday, Dec. 31, with a special matinee game against Weber State at 2 p.m.  Tickets are just $5, and hot dogs, popcorn and sodas at concessions all going for just $1.
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho men's basketball by following the team on twitter, @VandalHoops.  Ticket packages are on sale at GoVandals.com/Tickets.

For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com.  Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.