CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Vandals showed some signs of growth on Saturday afternoon in Cedar City, but ultimately fell to Southern Utah, 85-76.  As things currently stand, Idaho would match up with Southern Utah in the opening game of the Big Sky Men's Basketball Championships presented by My Place Hotels.
 
THE GAME
 
Neither team could get ahold of the game early on, with the squads trading buckets for much of the first half. Southern Utah would get off to a bit of a run late, eventually taking a 43-34 advantage into the break.
 
The Vandals came out hot in the second half, cutting the deficit to just five points by the first media timeout on a Cameron Tyson 3-ball.  That was as close as Idaho would get, as SUU rebuilt its double-digit lead and maintained for most of the second half.  The Vandals got as close as seven on a couple of occasions, behind timely buckets from Jared Rodriguez, but the Thunderbirds had an answer each time.
 
Four Vandals scored in double-figures, led by Rodriguez's career-high 28.  Trevon Allen had a balanced night with 10 points, six rebounds and five assists.
 
THE NAME
 
Jared Rodriguez.  Rodriguez recorded his second straight double-double, and fourth of the season, to finish with career-highs of 28 points and 11 rebounds.  He went 8-of-14 from the floor, and knocked down 11-of-12 from the free throw line.
 
THE NOTES
 
Idaho falls to 4-23 on the season, including 1-15 in Big Sky play.  Southern Utah moves to 14-12 on the year, including 9-8 in Big Sky play.
 
Tyson hit five 3's for the second consecutive game.  He has now hit five or more 3's in a game eight times.  His 89 3-pointers on the year are the sixth most in a single season in team history.
 
Rodriguez now has 287 points on the year, the fourth most by a freshman in team history, passing Arkadiy Mkrtychyan.
 
Idaho shot 46.3 percent (25-54) from the floor, to 41.7 percent (25-60) by Southern Utah.  SUU won the rebound battle, 41-33.
 
THE QUOTES
 
 
 
The Vandals return for the final homestand of the year, beginning on Thursday night against Portland State.
 
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.