PORTLAND – The Idaho men's basketball team shot 57 percent from the field and carried a lead for over 37 minutes of action to help earn their first road win in almost two years, defeating Portland State, 84-79 on Monday night at Viking Pavilion.

Backcourt duo Mikey Dixon and Trevante Anderson were the focal points on the offensive end, combining to score 47 points between the two upperclassmen. Dixon delivered a game-high 27 points on 10-14 shooting from the field while Anderson added 20 points and five rebounds. It was the first time Idaho had two 20 point scorers since January of 2020 against Montana State.

The two guards were effective down the stretch, teaming up to score the final 10 points for the Vandals to close out any chance of a comeback by the Vikings. earning

"We made really timely stops when we needed them late," Head coach Zac Claus said. "I was a little upset with the fellas in the first half when we were able to get out to a decent lead. I just don't think we had the same tenacity to guard and at the same time that I am hard on our guys, I give Portland State a whole lot of credit for playing hard and creating off the bounce."

Junior Rashad Smith continued to be a dangerous threat from behind the arc, hitting three shots from distance and ending the night in double figures for the 10th time this season with 15 points.

The night began with Tanner Christensen pulling down three offensive rebounds in Idaho's first four possessions to help set up six-second chance points to put the Silver and Gold up 9-4 early on in the first half. The Vandals controlled a large part of the opening period with their largest lead of 14 points (33-19) coming with over seven minutes to play. The Vikings went on a 13-1 run later in the half to eventually take a two-point lead before Anderson tied it at the foul line, 42-42 heading into halftime.

The offensive attack in the first 20 minutes was led by Anderson, Dixon, and Smith, who all added 10 points apiece.

PSU took the lead in the opening possession of the second half, but Idaho quickly answered with a 7-0 run that gave the Vandals a lead that they would not relinquish for the entirety of the game.

"I couldn't be happier for the guys to go through what they have over the past two weeks," Claus said. "With all the travel, all the miles and ups, and downs. For these kids to come out victorious tonight is a great thing."

Idaho's 56.9 shooting mark from the field was the most efficient effort by the Vandals against a Division 1 opponent since shooting 57.7 percent versus Idaho State (2/3/20).

It was the Vandals' first win away from Moscow since Feb. 13, 2020, when Idaho defeated Eastern Washington, 74-71 in Cheney.

Next up: The Vandals will look to extend their two-game winning streak on the road when they travel to face Montana on Thursday at 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

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