Mkrtychyan lifts Vandals in opener

MOSCOW - Eastern Oregon proved to be a resilient foe Friday night for Idaho but the Vandals managed to thwart enough surges to win 77-65 in their men's basketball season opener at Memorial Gym.

Despite the ebbs and flows of the game, coach Don Verlin could see promise in the blend that is developing with his veterans and young players.

"You always feel good after a win," Verlin said. "I've got a lot of new guys out there. I thought Ark (Arkadiy Mkrtychyan) played well tonight. I was really impressed with his physicality around the basket and how hard he played."

Indeed, Mkrtychyan, a freshman from Portland, Ore., played with the type of grit and determination that the Vandals need inside - and he was just shy of a double-double in his collegiate debut. He had 18 points to go with eight rebounds - five on the offensive boards.

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He's the perfect counter to the 3-point threat of Connor Hill, the Post Falls High product who scored just three points as the Vandals struggled to settle into their offensive schemes.

"We didn't do a very good job of executing our offense," Verlin said of the spans of time during which Eastern Oregon was able to scramble back into contention.

Those schemes are what will either pop Hill, Idaho's career 3-point leader, free or give him the opportunity to find an open teammate.

"We have to screen for him to get him some open looks; we have to get him the shots," Verlin said. "That's going to be a telltale sign for us this year. We've got to be able to execute the plays that go to him then he has to be the guy making those plays for others."

Sekou Wiggs joined Mkrtychyan in double figures with 13, while Bira Seck and Nahshon George matched his eight rebounds. Idaho did command the boards 45-34. Mike Scott had five assists to go with seven points.

Idaho plays host to South Dakota State on Monday.