Idaho sophomore forward Arkadiy Mkrtychyan, despite being a projected starter against Arkansas-Little Rock, found himself on the bench for a majority of Saturday’s game. Idaho lost 64-54.
With a knee brace on, Mkrtychyan took to the court five minutes into the second half. He played 10 minutes, adding two rebounds and two assists.
After a short break, he rejoined the Vandals on the court to finish the game there.
A foul sent him to the free-throw line where he added one point for Idaho.
He ended the game with one point, four rebounds and two assists in 11 minutes of play.
Mkrtychyan’s recent knee injury played no part in Idaho coach Don Verlin’s decision to keep him out.
“He dislocated his kneecap, tore some of his cartilage,” Verlin said. “It’s healthy now, it’s getting closer to 100 percent.”
Mkrtychyan was part of the starting lineup against California State-Bakersfield Wednesday.
While he contributed five points, Mkrtychyan solidified himself as an essential part of the Vandal defense. He helped contain the Roadrunners’ offensive game and one of their top players, Aly Ahmed.
Ahmed scored 13 points against the Vandals.
Mkrtychyan played his first game of the season against North Texas at the Mean Green Showcase in Denton, Texas. He played 27 minutes against Samford Nov. 25 and scored 12 points.
Idaho junior point guard Perrion Callandret said it was different being on the court without Mkrtychyan against Little Rock.
“He has an unmatchable work ethic with how much energy he brings to the table,” Callandret said. “He came in and gave us some really good minutes. He helped us out a lot.”
Tess Fox can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @tesstakesphotos