San Jose falls to Idaho 74-66

Kurt Weill joined forces with Bertolt Brecht back in 1928 to create the memorable song "Mack the Knife." Mac (the) Hopson, Idaho best player and one who primarily did San Jose State in during the second half, is a product of former Idaho great Phil Hopson and wife Lauren Hopson but debuted much, much later -- to SJSU's chagrin Saturday night as the Spartans fell 74-66.

At the 14:10 mark of the second half, it was a three point difference with Idaho ahead 41-38. But then a mix of Hopson scoring, combined with hot rest-of-the-Vandals shooting and blended with San Jose State turnovers, enabled UI to stretch the lead and SJSU couldn't answer.

Hopson finished with 21 points after posting three in the initial half.

With 9:30 remaining, Idaho led by nine and it advanced further until the Spartans closed at the end.

It was 33-30 at the half in favor of the Vandals. San Jose State shot 12-26 and 3-11 on treys in the first 20 minutes. Idaho went 13-30 and 3-9. The Spartans had a seven point lead at one point.

Tim Pierce led SJSU with 14 points. Robert Owens had 13 as did C.J. Webster. Webster shot 6-7 from the floor, grabbed nine boards and blocked four shots.

For the game, the Spartans shot 47% (24-51) and 6-20 from three-point distance. Idaho was also at 47% (27-57) but went 8-19 from long range. SJSU out-rebounded the Vandals 35-28. San Jose State committed 17 turnovers to nine for UI.