BOISE, Idaho - A four-minute scoreless spell late in the game saw a four-point lead for the Lewis-Clark State College men's basketball team turn into a 80-75 loss to the University of Idaho at CenturyLink Arena on Wednesday night.
The contest, which was an exhibition game for LCSC and a counting game for the Vandals, was played in Boise because UI is trying to play at a game a year in the Treasure Valley for fans that live in the area.
LCSC, which remains 4-1 overall, seemed poised for the upset over the NCAA Division I Vandals, 2-2 overall, when PJ Bolte hit a pair of free throws at the 5:00 mark to put LCSC ahead 70-66.
Unfortunately for the Warriors, they went scoreless for nearly four minutes while Idaho was able to go on a 10-0 run for a 76-70 advantage. Darious Walker ended LCSC's drought with a jumper at the 1:06 mark to cut it to 76-72.
After a bucket by Idaho, Bolte hit one of two free throws and Joey Wayman hit a jumper to cut it to 78-75 with six seconds left, but UI's Deremy Geiger sealed the win with a pair of free throws with two seconds left.
The contest was tight throughout. UI led by as much as seven in the first half, but Wayman led LCSC on an 11-4 run to tie the game at 24. The first half went back and forth until LCSC's Donte Archer hit a 3-pointer to put the Warriors up 38-37 at halftime.
The second half remained a see-saw contest. Idaho managed to take a 54-48 lead, but LCSC answered with a 10-3 run to take the lead. Neither team led by more than four the rest of the way until Idaho's 10-0 run put LCSC in the hole.
Senior guard Drrin Stewart had a solid night for LCSC with 18 points, 12 of which came on four 3-pointers. Wayman added 15 points, while Bolte scored 14.
LCSC finished the game 24-of-57 from the field for 42.1 percent. Idaho shot a blistering 29-of-45 from the field for 64.4 percent and held a 30-25 rebounding advantage.
LCSC did win the turnover battle as the Warrior defense forced 18 turnovers, eight of which were steals. LCSC committed only 10 turnovers.
The Warriors return to action next Wednesday when they play host to Walla Walla University at 7 p.m. at the LCSC Activity Center.
