On Nov. 2, the University of Idaho men’s basketball team hosted George Fox, earning a dominating 97-56 victory. This game follows the incredibly successful last season, where the Vandals made an appearance in an NCAA tournament for the first time since 1990. Only four players return from that squad this year, but the Vandals proved they can still compete.
In the first half, the game was close for the first five minutes until Idaho ran away with the lead, ending the half 44-23 with the Vandals leading by up to 21.
The Vandals had outrebounded George Fox 32-15, with 15 offensive rebounds. They shot a steady 41.5% from the field on 17-of-41 shooting and 30% from 3 on 6-of-20, compared to George Fox’s 28.1% from the field on 9-of-32 shooting and 20% from 3 on 3-of-15.
Idaho was not nearly as efficient on free throws, shooting 44.4% on nine attempts, but they got to the line more often than George Fox, which allowed them to get away with it.
By the second half, the Vandals continued adding to the lead, eventually leading by up to 46 points and ending the game with a 41-point win. They again outrebounded their opponents 26-14, with only four offensive rebounds this time around.
Despite that, the sheer number of offensive rebounds given up by the Bruins allowed the Vandals to get 14 second-chance points throughout the match. They shot 53.1% from the field on 17-of-32 shooting and 43.8% from 3 on 7-of-16.
George Fox had more shot attempts from the field this time but only shot 30.3% on 10-of-33 and 38.5% from 3 on 5-of-13. Both teams shot 80% on free throws, but again, the Vandals got to the line more often, outscoring the Bruins 12-8 from the line.
New transfer and former Gatorade Player of the Year Kase Wynott led the Vandals in scoring tonight, recording 20 points, six rebounds (two offensive rebounds) and three assists on efficient splits, shooting 7-of-14 from the field and 4-of-7 from 3.
Another three Vandals scored double digits against the Bruins, with Kristian Gonzalez dropping 14 points and five rebounds with three offensive boards. Brady Kenninson also dropped 14 points with very efficient splits at 4-of-6 from the field, 3-of-5 from 3 and 3-of-4 from the line.
Rounding out the double-digit scorers tonight is Diego Trejo-Delgado, who got 11 points and five rebounds. Hudson Ward and Seth Joba were also great for the Vandals tonight, both recording over 10 rebounds and eight points each.
Overall, the Vandals dominated the paint by outrebounding the Bruins constantly, finishing the game with double the rebounds and outscoring them in the paint 40-18.
They shot far more efficiently with more attempts and got to the line more often, although shooting less efficiently. The bench was also great for the Vandals, scoring 45 of their 97 points compared to George Fox’s bench scoring 23 of their 56.
Just an amazing showing from the Vandals, having complete control throughout, leading for nearly 90% of the game and finishing with a 41-point win despite the major overhaul in the offseason to the squad.
The University of Idaho men’s basketball team will travel to Fort Collins for its next match on Friday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m, against Colorado State.