Bengals Fall Just Short In Phoenix, 68-66

Box Score Phoenix, AZ- The Idaho State men's basketball team came up just short against the Grand Canyon University Antelope Tuesday night in GCU Arena, falling 68-66. This win will move GCU's record to 9-4 on the season.

The Bengals came out firing in the 1st half, jumping out to a 20-9 in the first eight minutes of the game. But after a few costly turnovers the Bengals found themselves tied with the Antelope 29-29 at the end of the half. Down the stretch the Bengals would not go away as they exchanged buckets with the Antelope going back and forth for the final ten minutes of the game. As the Bengals were down four with just 45 seconds to play, Jay Nagle made a clutch three point shot to trim the Antelope lead to just one. However, after a missed jump shot by GCU the Bengals were unable to secure the rebound which led the Antelope stretching their lead to two with five seconds remaining. As time expired Miguel Tomley's desperation heave from half court fell wide left and the Bengals fell just short. The Bengals now fall to 3-10 on the year.

Brayden Parker was the Bengals leading scorer, finishing with 18 points and four rebounds on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, including one three-pointer. Miguel Tomley was able to add 13 points and a season high seven rebounds while Jay Nagle tallied 11 points and six rebounds on 3-of-4 shooting including two three-pointers. Brock Mackenzie and Austin Smellie also finished with eight points apiece.

The Bengals shot 45.5 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep making five three-pointers on 20 attempts. The Bengals finish tonight's game with nine assists, 30 rebounds, and six steals. The Antelope were able to stave off the Bengals behind their ability to get out in transition and cleaning up in the paint. The Antelope finished with 19 offensive rebounds, outscored the Bengals in 2^nd chance points 25-4, and points in the paint 44-22. 

Your Bengals will return home from their two-game road trip to open up Big Sky Conference play and will face Northern Arizona University on December 29^th at 7 p.m. in Reed Gym.