Idaho lost to Sam Houston 94-68 on Wednesday at the ICCU Holiday Hoops Classic in Boise. The Vandals were outscored 57-28 in the second half, marking the most points they have allowed in a half this season.
The first half was competitive, with both teams trading baskets. Idaho took a three-point lead into halftime after converting 50 percent of their shots and outrebounding Sam Houston 17-13. A late three-pointer from Payne gave Idaho an eight-point advantage before Sam Houston responded with five straight points.
In the second half, Sam Houston took control after regaining the lead at the 16:58 mark. Kolton Michell briefly put Idaho back ahead with a three-pointer, but Sam Houston closed out the game on a 45-20 run.
Idaho’s loss marked their first game this season where they lost the rebounding battle, finishing behind Sam Houston 24-36. Despite making ten three-pointers and extending their streak of games with five or more threes to 53, Idaho could not keep pace in the final period.
“Idaho returns to ICCU Arena Wednesday for its first of two games in the Big Sky-Summit League Challenge against North Dakota. The game is set to tip off at 6 p.m. PT, and will air on ESPN+ and the Vandal Radio Network.”
Idaho Athletics has announced that all student tickets for home events in football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer are now free of charge.
