BOISE, Idaho – scored 20 points and pulled down seven rebounds in his return to Boise as the Vandals took down Portland State in the third round of the Big Sky Tournament, 80-70. The win marked Idaho's first win at the event since it moved to Boise in 2019.
"My house is, what, 10 blocks from here," Payne said postgame. "I love playing in that gym too."
Both teams got out to hot starts, trading threes in the opening five minutes, with Idaho leading 10-6 at the 15:29 media timeout. From that point on, the Vandals continued to fend off the Vikings, mounting as much as a 14 point lead to close the first frame, 34-20.