Theo Lawson
Argonaut
The Cowan Spectrum hasn’t been friendly to Utah State in recent years and Saturday night’s Vandal win over Don Verlin’s former squad wasn’t any different, as Idaho shocked the defending WAC champion Aggies 57-54.
Idaho, who trailed Utah State for the majority of the game, found a way back into it with two minutes remaining through the likes of senior Djim Bandoumel and sophomore Stephen Madison.
Down four, Bandoumel grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled on the put back. Two Kyle Barone free throws tied the teams at 53 but Madison turned the ball over and was called for a defensive foul on the other end leading to a Danny Berger free throw.
Madison, who had suffered a toe injury earlier in the game, was 2-9 from the field with four points up until his fourth three-point attempt of the night found its way into the basket, giving the Vandals a two-point advantage.
A Mansa Habeeb free throw made it a three point game and Medlin’s final shot, contested by two Vandals, flew off of the back of the rim and into the hands of Bandoumel, who secured it for the Vandal win.
The decision to not start Bandoumel was one made by coach Verlin earlier in the week but the Quebec, Canada, native proved a crucial component to both the Vandals offensive and defensive efforts. Bandoumel was 6-9 from the field with a team high 16 points. He grabbed six rebounds in 32 minutes of play.
Medlin led all scorers with 17 points despite being 1-7 from three-point range. Idaho held WAC player of the year candidate Brockeith Pane to six points.
The Vandals continue their three-game home stand on Thursday against 0-5 San Jose State.