The Idaho Vandals lost their final game of the 2023-2024 regular season against Portland State 72-57 on Monday.
Idaho’s lack of shot volume was a big factor, putting up 19 fewer shots than Portland State, which led to seven fewer shots made.
Idaho’s senior guard D’Angelo Minnis was leading the charge for the team, scoring 16 points on 5-7 shooting, and went 4-4 from the free throw line. Redshirt Freshmen forward Tyler Linhardt was the only other player on the Vandals squad to post double digits, scoring 12 points and grabbing six rebounds.
The game started off with two quick technical fouls, one on Idaho junior guard EJ Neal, and the other on Portland State senior guard Bobby Harvey.
Portland State started off the game hot, jumping to a 16-6 lead within the first four minutes of gametime. The dominance for Portland State continued throughout the first half.
This occurred because of Portland State’s control in the turnover game, and the rebounding game. Idaho was turnover prone, turning the ball over 18 times in the matchup. The Vikings also dominated the glass, grabbing 17 offensive rebounds, and outrebounding Idaho 39-25.
Portland State carried a huge 18- point lead into halftime, riding behind their senior guard KJ Allen, who had a great night for the Vikings.
Allen posted himself a collegiate career high of 27 points, and grabbed 10 rebounds. He shot 10-18, 1-3 from three, and 6-6 from the charity stripe.
In the second half, Portland State held a 20-point lead, and Idaho’s efforts to come back were sparked by a 9-0 run during the middle of the second half but cutting the deficit to 11 was the closest they could get to Portland State’s lead. Portland State’s Allen just kept on tearing the Vandal’s apart, leading to Idaho losing 72-57.
Idaho finishes their regular season with an 11-20 record and posted a 5-13 conference record. The Vandals finished the season in ninth place in the conference and will now play 10 seed Sacramento State in the Big Sky tournament on Saturday. Both teams look to stay alive and keep their chances of punching their ticket to March Madness as they face off on March 9, at 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Bryce Norwood can be reached at [email protected]