The outcome of a basketball game is more often than not determined by which team can establish a paint presence. Idaho’s senior night against Idaho State (14-13, 9-7) was a perfect example of this. The Vandals (12-17, 7-9) shot the lights out from beyond the arc but failed to get anything going on the offensive interior. After a strong second half from Big Sky Player of the Year candidate Dylan Darling, the Bengals defeated the Vandals 69-65.
The game began with Kolton Mitchell taking full control, scoring 15 points before the second media timeout. The Vandals jumped out to a nine-point lead but struggled to gather any penetration, finishing the game with just 18 points in the paint. A combination of good ball movement and tough interior defense brought the Bengals back into the game, as they entered halftime with a 36-32 lead.
The electric energy in the ICCU Arena, which had its largest attendance of the season, played a substantial impact in a competitive rivalry matchup. The second half was a battle of wills, with Jack Payne and Darling trading blows and neither team managing to grab firm control of the momentum. Darling finished with 19 points, five assists, four rebounds, three steals and a block. Payne had 18 points and 12 rebounds. He has been the x-factor in both matchups between the Bengals and Vandals this year.
After losing to the Bengals in Pocatello, the Vandals were determined to even the season series. They made 13 three-pointers and had three double-digit scorers. Their only kryptonite in this game was their inability to guard the Bengals’ front court. Idaho State shot almost 50% on two-point field goals, and their senior forward Connor Hollenbeck had 15 points and four rebounds.
Though getting swept by your arch-rivals is always a crushing blow, the Vandals are still in the position to get a first-round bye in the Big Sky tournament, but they will need to finish off the season strongly. Their next game is on March 1 against Weber State (11-19, 5-11).
Liam Bradford can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu