MOSCOW, Idaho - The battle for King Spud has brought extra fire back to the Idaho-Idaho State rivalry since the return of the starchy monarch in 2022. 

Since then, Idaho State has maintained possession of the king, and shot lights out on Saturday to hope to continue to do so. The Idaho Vandals came into Reed Gym with a plan to attack their in-state foe, but ultimately couldn't keep up with the Bengals' accuracy, falling 86-71 in Pocatello.

Despite taking an early lead, UI was in a firefight the entire day and, despite averaging more threes (9.3) than any other team in the conference, struggled from beyond the arc, finishing 6-24 (25%). Conversely, the Bengals were taking shots from the perimeter all day long, making the most of the opportunities with 16-26 (62%) made, the third-best single-game percentage by a Big Sky team this season.

The Vandals put pressure on their in-state foe all day long, finishing with four double-digit scorers for the second time in as many games. Kolton Mitchell put up a team-leading 17 in his return to his former institution, finishing 5-10 (50%) shooting. Kristian Gonzalez finished 5-10 himself en route to 16 points, and Julius Mims and Tyler Linhardt each put up 10 of their own. 

After a demanding road slate, the Vandals are returning home to the ICCU Arena to begin the back half of conference play, where the rematches begin. Idaho will take on Portland State for the second time on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 6:00 PM, and then Sacramento State on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 2:00 PM.