MOSCOW, Idaho – The Idaho men's basketball team defeated Idaho State, 80-76, on Saturday afternoon on Senior Day. The two teams were tied at the half, but the Vandals (8-23, 4-16 BSC) earned the victory over the Bengals (7-22, 4-16 BSC) for the 12th straight Senior Day game.

THE GAME
The Vandals made their first seven shots in the game, and led, 18-15, eight minutes into the game. Throughout the remainder of the first period, the two teams traded baskets. There were four ties and four lead changes in the first half, and the score was 38-38 as the teams went to the break.
 
The two teams exchanged baskets to open the second half, but Trevon Allen hit a three pointer and then made a driving layup to put the Vandals up four, 47-43. Eventually, five straight points by Babacar Thiombane put Idaho up seven points, their largest lead of the day. The Bengals fought back to tie up the game. With 36 seconds remaining, Austin Smellie made a pair of free throws to give the visitors a one-point lead, 75-74. Allen responded with a tough driving layup to give the lead back to the Vandals, and the home side was able to hold on for the four-point victory, 80-76.
 
Allen led the Vandals with 33 points, while Scott Blakney chipped in 16 points and 13 rebounds.
 
THE NOTES
Prior to the game, Trevon Allen and Quinton Forrest were honored for their contributions to the program. Student managers Cotton Whitley and Noah Porter were also honored.
 
With the win, Idaho clinches the 10-seed for the Big Sky Championship next week. The Bengals and Vandals finished with the same conference record, but Idaho held the tiebreaker.
 
The Vandals have now won the final home game of the regular season for 12-consecutive years.
 
Scott Blakney had his second career double-double, and first of the season. He finished the game with 16 points and 13 rebounds. The junior also had two assists, a steal, and two blocks in 27 minutes.
 
The Vandals are now 6-3 when scoring at least 70 points.
 
Idaho outrebounded ISU, 35-25.
 
Trevon Allen drew 12 fouls while only committing one.
 
Allen moved into eighth place on the all-time scoring list. He now has 1360 total points. He also has 612 points this season, the seventh most in history.
 
The Vandals shot 57.7 percent (30-for-52) from the field in the game. The Bengals shot 46.6 percent (27-for-58).
 
THE NAME
Trevon Allen. On his Senior Day, Allen scored 33 points, pulled down four rebounds, dished two assists, and had one steal. It was his second consecutive 30-point game, and fourth of the year. He made three three-pointers. He was also 10-for-12 from the free throw line, drawing 12 fouls in the game.

THE QUOTES – Zac Claus


Trevon Allen, Quinton Forrest, Scott Blakney

 
UP NEXT
The Vandals head to Boise for the Big Sky Championship. Idaho will be the 10th seed, with their opponent to be determined based on this evening's games. The first game of the tournament will be at 12 p.m. mountain/11 a.m. pacific time on Wednesday, March 11.