A career-high night from Djim Bandoumel wasn’t enough to help the Vandal men’s basketball team escape the Cowan Spectrum with what would have been a fourth straight home WAC victory, Saturday night during their 70-76 loss to Hawaii.
Two nights following its win over San Jose State, Idaho lacked the defense to offset a consistent Hawaii offense that buried 56 percent of its shots.
The Warriors maintained the lead for almost 12 minutes during the first half and despite stealing their own lead on multiple occasions, the Vandals found themselves at a major disadvantage when junior center Kyle Barone picked up three fouls early in the first half.
Warriors center Vander Joaquim had a mismatch on Bandoumel and Joe Kammerer, picking apart the Vandal defense down low with his size and strength. Twelve of Joaquim’s 18 points came in the first half, going 6-6 from the field.
Idaho coach Don Verlin noted that the loss was in no way a lack of offensive production.
“I thought we played well enough offensively, I thought we had a number of good looks even down late in the game when Deremy (Geiger) had the wide open three late,” Verlin said. “But bottom line is we’re not defending it well enough right now in WAC conference play and we’re undersized at the guard and that’s hurting us a little bit.”
Bandoumel’s physical presence did create a headache for Hawaii coach Gib Arnold. Bandoumel’s career-high 24 points included a 10-13 shooting performance from the field. The senior was also 4-4 from the charity stripe.
“I mean Hawaii is a good team, they have two guys working like crazy down there …They have a seven footer who’s doing a good job, he improved so much from last year and he was just on it tonight,” Bandoumel said of Joaquim.
As for the career-high 24 points, Bandoumel said he needed to step up in light of Barone’s absence due to early foul trouble.
“Kyle was out first half obviously and inside I have to provide a lift for my team and I was just prepared tonight to do whatever to win,” Bandoumel said.
It was a night that saw the Warriors knock down shots at all the right times, while their starters provided almost all of the team’s offensive production.
The Hawaii bench combined for just six points and four of its five starters tallied at least 15 points apiece.
Joaquim’s presence on the boards didn’t go unnoticed either, as he and Joston Thomas each grabbed nine rebounds.
For Idaho, Bandoumel was the star once again, adding two blocks and four rebounds to his 24 points. Stephen Madison impressed with 15 points and three assists.
Saturday’s game also honored Coaches vs. Cancer, as all coaches wore suits and sneakers to support cancer research. Relay for Life hosted the initiative.
The Vandals hit the road for the first time since Jan. 14 and visit Fresno State Feb. 2. Idaho beat the Bulldogs 63-59 in Moscow Jan. 7. Bandoumel was a perfect 6-6 from the field with 16 points, which was a then career-high for the Quebec native.