FINAL SCORE: Idaho 65, Idaho State 69

RECORDS: Idaho (17-9, 9-7), Idaho State (14-13, 9-7)

IDAHO LEADERS: Jack Payne (18 points), Julius Mims (13 rebounds), Kolton Mitchell (5 assists)

NOTABLES:

• Kolton Mitchell tallied four three-pointers in the first eight minutes of the game.
• Jack Payne posted 16 in the second half to ignite the Vandal offense.
• Julius Mims totaled 13 rebounds.
• The Vandals made 13 three-pointers to the Bengals six. 
• Idaho out rebounded Idaho State 44-39.

Kristian Gonzalez started the game off hot for the Vandals, sinking a three to be first on the board. The Bengals quickly matched this intensity, creating a shot-for-shot start to this rivalry match. 

Kolton Mitchell did not hold back on his former teammates, landing four three-pointers early in the first half. The rest of the Vandals followed his lead, posting 25 in the first 10 minutes. On the defensive side, Idaho stepped up with five steals in the first half. However, Idaho State managed to keep pace and eventually built a late lead, ending the half with a score of 36-32.

The black and gold stepped back on the court with a second wind, with two three-pointers from Tyler Mrus quickly putting the score back in Idaho's favor (45-39). The two Gem State teams traded the lead, with Jack Payne posting 16 points and Julius Mims grabbing seven rebounds to keep the Vandals in the game. 

Tensions rose in the ICCU during the final minutes of the game as the Bengals held a slight edge over the Vandals. Despite their offensive efforts, Idaho was unable to find the net, ultimately falling to Idaho State by a score of 65-69.                                                   

UP NEXT: The Idaho will be back in the ICCU Arena to host Weber State at 1 p.m. PST. Three Vandal seniors will be honored at this matinee game, Julius Mims, Kyson Rose, and Jack Hatten.

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