Â
POCATELLO, Idaho- The Idaho State men's basketball team rallied from a 16-point second half deficit to beat the University of Idaho 70-68 on Saturday night in Holt Arena.
Idaho State trailed 51-35 with 16:17 left in the game. The Bengals then went on a 17-4 run to cut the Vandal lead to 55-52 after a jumper by
Gary Chivichyan with 10:26 to play.
ISU continued to battle and would take its first lead at 67-65 following a basket by
Kelvin Jones with 1:50 to play. This was the first lead for Idaho State since 5-3 at the 17:27 mark of the first half.
Idaho tied the game at 67 but Jones scored the final three points from the foul line to seal the win for the Bengals.
Jones led Idaho State with 14 points on only four shot attempts. He was 8-13 from the free throw line, had seven rebounds and four blocks in 20 minutes of play.
Jones scored the final 12 points for Idaho State in the final 4:28 of the game.
Balint Mocsan had 13 points and five rebounds while
Gary Chivichyan had 11 points and three steals.
Idaho State shot 38.9 percent from floor and Idaho State shot 41.9 percent for the game. Idaho State shot 35.7 percent in the first half but improved to 42.3 in the final 20 minutes.
The Vandals shot 54.5 percent in the first half but was held to 27.9 percent shooting in the final period.
Idaho out rebounded ISU 18-15 in the first half but the Bengals would out rebound Idaho 39-33 for the game.
Chier Maker had a game-high eight rebounds.
Idaho State coach
Bill Evans was complimentary of the play of senior
Sam Dowd. He played 19 minutes and Evans complimented his effort, toughness and energy that he brought to the court.
Idaho State will enter next weeks Big Sky tournament as the No. 10 and will play No. 7 seed SUU 30 minutes following the No. 8 and 9 seeded games on Wednesday, March 13.
> Â
