Vandal Hoops scores 82-77 win in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Idaho Men’s Basketball (4-5) shot 56.9 percent from the field and a season-high 45.5 percent from three to secure a five-point victory over Kansas City ( 4-5).

The Vandals sprinted out of the gates, scoring nine points in the first 56 seconds, a start fueled by back-to-back steals and a three-pointer from them Jack Payne. Idaho used that hot start to take a 12-point lead into halftime, converting 72.7 percent of its shots in the first half, the highest mark by a Vandal team in the first half since a game against Walla Walla on March 10. November 2022.

Coming out of the locker room, the two teams traded baskets as Idaho maintained a ten-point lead with 14:27 to play. From that point on, however, the Roos began to fight back as a series of Vandal fouls put Kansas City in the double bonus with 13:28 left. The Roos used this to their advantage, hitting 17 of their 21 shots from the charity stripe in the second half and outscoring Idaho 33-28 in the final game of 13-15. Kansas City pulled away with three seconds left Jojo Anderson converted two free throws in the final seconds, bringing the Vandals within five and giving Idaho its first road win of the season.

Payne led the Vandals in scoring for the first time this season, posting a career-high 17 points, eight rebounds and four steals. In his first start of 2024, Anderson posted a season-high 14 points and four assists Kristian González continued his winning streak, scoring 16 points off the bench.

“Our boys came out of the gates confident. The defense provided some offense for us, which was really nice to see,” the Idaho head coach said Alex Pribble said. “Such victories, especially away from home, strengthen faith, increase acceptance a little and will be an important success for us in the future.”

Notables

• Idaho finished the game with 15 assists. This is the second straight game in which the Vandals have had 15 or more dimes and the fifth time this season.
• The Vandals had five scorers in double figures for the second time this season, the first coming in the season opener against Northwest.
• With 10 three-pointers on the night, Idaho has made five or more three-pointers in 22 consecutive games since last season.
• Three different Vandals posted their highest points of the season tonight. Jack Payne (17), Tyler Linhardt (15) and Jojo Anderson (14).
• The Vandals have now won three straight against the Roos. Their last loss to Kansas City was on January 2, 2014 in Moscow.

Next

Idaho returns to the West Coast to take on Oregon State on Saturday, December 7th. The launch date is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. PST.