PULLMAN, Wash. – The Idaho men's basketball team fell to Washington State, 84-59 in the opening game of the 2023-24 season on Monday night at Beasley Coliseum. 

Quinn Denker led Idaho's offensive output, recording 12 points on 3-of-7 shooting from the field in 32 minutes of action. Kyson Rose added eight points while Kristian Gonzalez emerged with eight second-half points in his collegiate debut. Junior forward Julius Mims totaled six points, a team-high seven rebounds and three steals.

The Cougars got off to a hot start to begin the opening period with seven consecutive points before the Vandals would respond to cut the deficit to 14-10. It was another strong run from the Cougars as they scored 18 of the next 20 points to bring the score to 32-12. Idaho pulled within 13 to end the half down, 41-28.  

Idaho was unable to find an offensive rhythm in the opening 20 minutes, shooting 37.5 percent from the field, 18.2 percent from three and 61.5 percent from the foul line. Denker led the Vandals with 10 first-half points on 3-4 from the field.

Washington State kept their stride shooting 6-of-7 out of the break taking a 20-point lead (56-36) at the 15:20 mark. Idaho cut its deficit to 15 but was unable to answer on the offensive end while the Cougars earned its fifth straight win over Idaho.

The Cougars controlled the glass and showed their physical force inside, out-rebounding the Vandals 45-26 and out-scoring Idaho 44-20 inside. 

WSU forward Andrej Jakimovski led all scorers with 21 points shooting 50% from the field (8-16).

Up Next
The Vandals welcome California State Northridge for the 2023-24 home opener on Thursday, Nov. 9. Action is set to get underway at 6 p.m. from ICCU Arena.

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