Vandals triumph over UC Riverside with Gonzalez’s 25-point game

The Idaho Vandals earned a decisive 80-68 victory over the UC Riverside Highlanders, powered by an impressive 25-point performance from Kristian Gonzalez. The decisive moment came midway through the first half when Gonzalez scored four goals in a row during a 10-0 run to secure a significant lead. Idaho put on a slick performance, leading by as many as 22 points before closing with a 13-2 run by the Highlanders. Three Vandals scored in double figures, showcasing their offensive depth and teamwork throughout the game.

Through the numbers

• Idaho shot 47.5% from the field (28-59).
• Kristian Gonzalez scored a career-high 25 points, contributing to a team total of 80 points.
• Idaho had a 30-22 points advantage in the paint and 17-7 in second-chance points.

Yes but

While the Vandals dominated the game, the Highlanders’ late 13-2 run highlighted some defensive weaknesses. The Vandals will need to maintain their focus and avoid late-game mistakes in future matchups to ensure consistent wins.

state of affairs

• The Vandals improved to a 3-5 record after this win against a competitive UC Riverside team.
• Idaho showed strong teamwork with 18 assists on 28 made baskets and only eight turnovers.

What’s next?

The Vandals will face UMKC on the road on Dec. 4 in the Big Sky-Summit League Challenge, where they will look to build on that momentum and improve their overall record.

Conclusion

The Vandals showcased their offensive potential and teamwork with a convincing win, but consistency will be key going forward, especially against tougher opponents like UMKC.