KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Idaho Men's Basketball (4-5) shot 56.9 percent from the field and a season-high 45.5 percent from three to secure a five point victory over Kansas City (4-5) on Wednesday night at Swinney Center in Kansas City. 

The Vandals sprinted out of the gates scoring nine points in the first 56 seconds, a start powered by back to back steals and a three from Jack Payne. Idaho used this hot start to carry a twelve point advantage into halftime, converting 72.7 percent of their shots in the opening half, the highest mark by a Vandal team in the first half since a Nov. 10, 2022 game against Walla Walla. 

Coming out of the locker room, the two teams traded baskets, as Idaho maintained a ten point lead with 14:27 remaining in the game. From this point on however, the Roos began to battle back, as a series of Vandal fouls put Kansas City in the double bonus with 13:28 to go. The Roos used this to their benefit, making 17 of their 21 shots from the charity stripe in the second half, and outscoring Idaho 33-28 in the last 13:15. Kansas City pulled with three seconds to go, before Jojo Anderson converted two free throws in the final seconds to put the Vandals up five, and give Idaho their first road victory of the season. 

Payne led the Vandals in the scoring column for the first time this season, putting up a career-high 17 points, eight rebounds, and four steals. In his first start of 2024, Anderson added a season-best 14 points and four assists, as Kristian Gonzalez continued his hot streak, scoring 16 points off the bench. 

"Our guys came out of the gates confident. The defense was creating some offense for us, which was really nice to see," Idaho Head Coach Alex Pribble said. "These kind of wins, particularly on the road, feed the belief, feed the buy-in a little bit, and is going to be an important one for us going forward."

Notables

• Idaho closed the game with 15 assists. This marks the second straight game the Vandals had 15 or more dimes, and the fifth time this season. 
• The Vandals had five scorers in double figures for the second time this season, the first being the season opener vs. Northwest.
• With ten threes on the night, Idaho has now made five or more triples in 22 straight contests dating back to last season.
• Three different Vandals scored their season-high points totals tonight. Jack Payne (17), Tyler Linhardt (15), and Jojo Anderson (14).
• The Vandals have now won three straight against the Roos. Their last loss to Kansas City was Jan. 2, 2014 in Moscow. 

Up Next
Idaho heads back to the west coast to face off against Oregon State on Saturday Dec. 7. Tip off is slated for 2 p.m. PST.