PULLMAN, Wash. — The 279th Battle of the Border went to the home team tonight as the Washington State men's basketball team knocked off neighboring Idaho 90-67.
Nate Calmese came alive in the second half to lead all scorers with 18 points. LeJuan Watts had a stretch of 10 consecutive points in the second half en route to a 16 point, 14 rebound double double.
It was a back and forth first half after an early flurry from the Vandals. Dane Erikstrup led the way with 11 first half points for the Cougs, including a buzzer beating three to end the half and give WSU a seven point halftime lead.
The Vandals got a nice boost from Isaiah Brickner who had a team 13 points in the loss.
WSU also got a boost off the bench from forward ND Okafor, who made his season debut and had 12 points.
The Cougs now improve to 3-0 on the season and will next be in action in the John Deere Classic on Friday night when they take on Iowa.
Idaho falls to 1-2 on the year, the Vandals face Brigham Young on Saturday in Provo. Tip-off is set for noon.