Dec. 28, 2002
Box Score
Logan, UT---Desmond Penigar of Utah State scored 24 points and had 15 rebounds as the Utah State Aggie won their ninth straight Gossner Foods Classic title with a 66-59 win over Idaho State. The loss ended Idaho State's winning streak at five straight.
The Bengals never led in the second half, but never let Utah State get more than an eight point lead. Idaho State cut it to three several times, and down four with under a minute to go, Idaho State forced a loose ball with just three seconds on the shot clock. Ronnie Ross picked up the ball and heaved a prayer at the basket, which was well offline, but David Schroeder was called for a foul, and Ross hit two free throws for the final margin.
Rashad Kirkland scored 20 points for the Bengals, two short of his career-high. Marquis Poole had 10 points, and Scott Henry added 15, but his double-double streak of four straight ended with his six-rebound effort. He still was named to his third straight All-Tournament team.
Rebounding was a problem for ISU, as they were outrebounded 50-23 by the Aggies. The Bengals actually outscored USU in the paint 36-28, but Utah State scored 19 second chance points.
The Bengals (6-5) committed just six turnovers, and were 11-of-12 from the line (.917). Idaho State is off until January 11, when they take on Brigham Young in Provo at 7:05 pm
