DENVER -- The Idaho men's basketball team (0-1) fell to the University of Denver (1-0), 68-63 in the regular-season opener Monday night at Hamilton Gymnasium.
 
Four Vandals scored in double figures in the first game of the 2022-23 season, with forward Isaac Jones leading the Vandals on offense with a team-high 15 points. The big man from Spanaway, Wash. went 6 for 9 from the field, added five boards and dished out two assists. 

Front court teammate Terren Frank scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while guards Divant'e Moffitt and Trey Smith each posted 10 points.

Jones and Moffitt scored the Vandals first 10 points, securing an early 10-5 advantage over Denver early on. The Pioneers used a 5-0 run to even the score at 10-10. Six lead changes followed before Denver eventually grabbed a 35-30 lead heading into halftime. 

Out of the break, Denver used a 10-3 run to grab a 12-point lead with over 13 minutes left in the second half. Possession by possession, Idaho started to put together stops and knock down shots, making eight of their next 13 to make it a two-point game at the 4:50 mark. The Pioneers would make timely shots down the stretch as the Vandals were unable to complete the comeback falling, 68-63. 

The free throw line proved to be a major difference in the game as Denver shot 17-of-33 compared to Idaho's 7 for 11 mark. 

Idaho will look to rebound in its home debut on Thursday when they host Walla Walla at 6 p.m.

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