SALT LAKE CITY, Utah- The Idaho State men's basketball team lost 75-59 to the University of Utah on Tuesday afternoon at the Jon M. Huntsman center.
Utah went on a 17-2 run over the final five minutes of the first half to lead 41-20 at halftime.
The Bengals outscored Utah 39-34 in the second half and cut the Ute lead to 12 at several different points of the final period with the final time being 71-59 with 1:30 to play in the game.
Tarik Cool led the Idaho State scoring with 18 points on 7-12 shooting. He had four rebounds and three assists. Robert Ford III had 10 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
Idaho State out rebounded Utah 41-24.
Brayden Parker added seven boards.
Idaho State shot 37 percent for the game while Utah finished the afternoon shooting 51 percent
The Bengals turned the ball over 19 times while Utah finished with seven.
Idaho State trailed 24-18 with 4:24 left in the first half after a layup by
Liam Sorensen. Following Sorensen's basket the Utes closed out the half on their 17-2 run.
Idaho State scored the first nine points of the second half to cut the Utah lead to 41-29 after a layup by
Malik Porter. Every time Idaho State cut the Utah lead to 12 or 13, the Utes were able to extend their lead.
Utah led by as many as 23 points in the second half.
Idaho State hosts Bethesda on Saturday, Dec 12 at 12 p.m.
