PHOENIX—The Idaho Vandals opened the Grand Canyon Thanksgiving Classic with an uncharacteristic 76-74 loss to Northern Iowa on Friday. Idaho attempted just six three-point attempts, its fewest in exactly four years to the day when attempting six against Pepperdine.
The Vandals statistically outplayed UNI throughout a majority of the contest. Idaho out-shot the Panthers, 56.9 to 40.8 percent. Both teams finished with 29 total field goals, but the Panthers needed 20 more attempts to match Idaho's offensive output. Idaho out-rebounded UNI, 36-32.
"Our lack of blocking out cost us this game," head coach Jon Newlee said.