MOSCOW, Idaho – The Idaho men's basketball team took down Evergreen State College, 88-82, on Tuesday night to open the 2019-20 season. Interim Head Coach Zac Claus picked up his first career win in charge of the Vandals (1-0).
 
THE GAME
The game started out back-and-forth, with the Geoducks sticking with the home squad, but eventually Idaho began pulling away. The Vandals led by five, 43-38, at halftime.
 
However, Idaho opened the second half on a 6-0 run to extend its lead to double digits. With just over four minutes to play, the Vandals led by 13. Evergreen State made a late run, taking advantage of some hot shooting, and closed to within two points, 84-82. But two free throws each from Tevon Allen and BJ Simmons secured the win to open the season.
 
Quinton Forrest finished with a double-double, recording 15 points and 10 boards, while Allen led the Vandals with 23 points. Overall, five Idaho players finished in double figure scoring. 
 
THE NOTES
The Vandals forced 13 Geoduck turnovers and scored 17 points out of them.
 
Idaho outscored Evergreen State 50-20 in the paint.
 
The Vandals pulled down 14 offensive rebounds, compared to the Geoducks' seven. Forrest had six o-boards, while Scott Blakney had four and Marquell Fraser pulled down three rebounds on the offensive glass.

THE NAME
Ja'Vary Christmas. Christmas scord 17 points, going 7-for-11 from the field in 22 minutes. He also pulled down five rebounds and dished out four assists while not turning the ball over.

THE QUOTES



 
UP NEXT
Idaho hits the road for a four-game stretch. Next on the docket is UC Riverside on Saturday, November 9, with tip off scheduled for 2 p.m.