IRVINE, Calif. – The new-look Vandals showed some fight on Tuesday night in the season opener, but eventually the veteran UC Irvine squad took over and claimed the 86-68 win.
THE GAME
The fresh faces weren't intimated by the moment and jumped out to a 9-2 lead to start the game. The teams went back-and-forth for most of the first half, with Idaho closing strong to take the 34-30 lead into the break.
The 'Eaters came out aggressive in the second half and took a lead of their own. Jared Rodriguez gave Idaho a 49-48 advantage early in the second half, before a long spurt from UC Irvine squandered the young Vandals' hopes at an upset.