MOSCOW, Idaho (AP) — Stephen Madison scored 21 points and pulled down 14 rebounds as Idaho earned a thrilling 67-63 win over Western Illinois Saturday night in the season opener for both teams.
Madison also led the team with five assists and none were bigger than when he found Connor Hill for a 3-pointer that put the Vandals up 61-59 with 1:03 to play. Idaho was clutch in the final minute as Glen Dean hit all four of his free throws and Madison added two of his own.
Western Illinois did have a possession trailing with 10 seconds left, trailing 65-62. However, Dean fouled Jabari Sandifer, not allowing the Leathernecks the chance to attempt a game-tying 3-pointer.
Dean finished with 15 points, going 3 of 11 from the field but 8 of 9 from the line.
Freshman Garret Convington paced the Leathernecks, scoring 22 points. Adam Link led the team with 10 rebounds.
