MOSCOW, Idaho - Idaho basketball was riding high after a strong win over Northern Arizona, looking to do the same to their second road opponent in three days, Northern Colorado. 

The Vandals came to play in the first half, going blow for blow with their hosts in a twenty minute stretch that featured a lot of scoring and not much defense. Idaho started the game fast on an 8-2 run that featured an early Jack Payne three. The black and gold could do little wrong offensively in the half, especially from deep, as they finished 6-7 from that range going into the break. Tyler Linhardt was once again a difference maker for UI, recording 12 points to lead the team with just a one point deficit, 47-48, after one.

The hype was there for a highlight-riddled shootout, but things began to change for the Vandals. The shots that fell in the first half did not in the second, while they continued to do so for Northern Colorado. Idaho put in the work to provide themselves with open shooting looks, but just couldn't connect, being limited to a 27-point outing in the second half while UNC raced out to a 92-74 win in Bank of Colorado Arena.

Linhardt led the Vandals in scoring with a 23 point performance, his second time with both 20+ and the team lead in three days. Kolton Mitchell put up 11 and Julius .Mims added 10 of his own while also leading Idaho with five rebounds. Ewan Steele also made his return to action late in the game and put up his first points since early January at Portland State.

The Vandals return to action next week with the final two home games of the season, the latter of which, vs. Weber State, will also serve as senior day, honoring three Idaho basketball players who will be taking the court in the ICCU Arena for the final time in their careers. Idaho fans are encouraged to get to the arena early to celebrate Julius Mims, Kyson Rose, and Jack Hatten for their storied careers in black and gold.