MOSCOW, Idaho – Taking the court for the final time in 2023, the Idaho men's basketball team dropped a 77-72 contest to Portland State on Saturday afternoon at ICCU Arena. 

Five Vandals scored in double figures to lead the Idaho offense, including a career-best 18 points from Tyler Linhardt. Quinn Denker added 17 points and five assists, while Trevon Blassingame and Kyson Rose each posted 12 points. Kristian Gonzalez made his first start of the season, putting together 33 quality minutes with a season-high 11 points and six rebounds. 

Idaho led for the majority of the first half and took an 11-point lead (41-30) with 30 seconds to go before Portland State knocked down a three to make it 41-33 at the half. Idaho found a rhythm in the first 20 minutes, shooting 52 percent (14-27) while holding Portland State to shoot just 33 percent (10-30) from the field.

Portland State used a 13-6 run to open the second period and ultimately broke through to retake a 60-59 advantage with 9:50 remaining. The Vikings increased its lead to eight before the Vandals would battle back to make it a one-possession game (72-75) with 1:36 to go. Idaho was unable to capitalize on their next two offensive possessions, as Portland State finished the job at the foul line to seal the victory. 

The Vandals went cold in the second half, shooting 37 percent (11-30) from the field and 46 percent (5-11) from the foul line. 

Up Next
The Vandals host a mid-week matchup for their final non-conference game of the season next week when they welcome St. Thomas on Wednesday, Jan. 3 as a part of the Summit League Challenge next week. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Moscow.  


POSTGAME WITH COACH PRIBBLE