The University of Idaho men’s basketball team traveled to Moby Arena in Fort Collins, Colorado, on Friday, Nov. 6, to take on Colorado State University, falling 78-67. Following a dominant season-opening victory against George Fox, the Vandals suffered their first loss of the 2026-27 season in a competitive matchup against the Rams.
The first half featured back-and-forth action, with Idaho starting strong from beyond the arc. Despite the Vandals’ early offensive success, Colorado State continued responding with scoring runs of its own, eventually taking a narrow 36-33 lead into halftime.
Neither team was particularly efficient offensively in the opening half. Idaho shot 34.3% from the field, going 12-for-35, and 35.7% from 3-point range, making five of 14 attempts. The Vandals converted all four of their free-throw attempts.
Colorado State was more efficient from the field, shooting 44.4% on 12-for-27 shooting. However, the Rams struggled from beyond the arc, making three of 11 attempts for 27.3%. Colorado State also converted nine of 10 free throws, shooting 90% from the line.
Despite attempting more field goals and 3-pointers, Idaho struggled to convert those opportunities into points. Colorado State’s ability to get to the free-throw line more frequently also provided an advantage. Both teams recorded similar numbers in points in the paint, but the Rams held an advantage in second-chance points despite comparable rebounding totals.
Idaho did find success in other areas, leading 11-4 in points off turnovers. However, Colorado State’s bench provided a spark, giving the Rams an 11-4 advantage in bench points.
The second half proved more difficult for the Vandals as Colorado State maintained its lead throughout the period. Idaho made several attempts to close the gap, but the Rams consistently responded with scoring runs to widen the margin.
Colorado State outscored Idaho 42-34 in the second half, securing the 78-67 victory and handing the Vandals their first loss of the season.
Idaho improved its shooting efficiency from the field after halftime, making 13 of 26 attempts for 50%. However, the Vandals struggled from 3-point range, connecting on just two of 10 attempts for 20%. Idaho also had more opportunities at the free-throw line, but converted only six of 11 attempts for 54.5%.
Colorado State continued improving its shooting, finishing the second half at 54.5% from the field on 18-for-33 shooting. The Rams also made four of 12 3-pointers for 33.3% and converted two of five free throws.
The Rams controlled much of the second-half production, holding advantages in points off turnovers, second-chance points, bench points and points in the paint. Colorado State’s biggest advantage came inside, where it outscored Idaho 26-12 in the paint.
Leading the Vandals once again was Kase Wynott, who finished with 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. This marked the second consecutive game in which Wynott scored at least 19 points, establishing himself as a reliable scoring option for Idaho early in the season.
Two additional Vandals reached double figures. Hudson Ward recorded 13 points and six rebounds, while Seth Joba added 11 points and three rebounds. Miles Klapper also provided a strong contribution, finishing with eight points, three rebounds and five assists.
Overall, the Vandals showed promise in the first half but struggled to find consistent offensive efficiency and get to the free-throw line. Although Idaho improved its field-goal percentage after halftime, its struggles from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line made it difficult to keep pace with Colorado State.
The Rams’ scoring runs also made it challenging for Idaho to build momentum, forcing the Vandals to continually fight their way back into the game. Despite several individual contributions and stretches of competitive play, Idaho ultimately could not overcome Colorado State’s second-half performance.
The University of Idaho men’s basketball team will return home to Moscow for its next matchup against Lincoln University on Sunday, Nov. 8, looking to bounce back from its first loss of the season.