gostanford.com photo: The Stanford Cardinal guard Dorian Pickens (11) drives the offense in the Cardinal’s win over the Idaho Vandals on Thursday night at Maples Pavilion

by London Marq

PALO ALTO–The Vandals traveled from Idaho and they brought defense with them. They applied a full court press from the opening tip and kept the Stanford Cardinal from gaining a rhythm on offense for a large portion of the game as Stanford gets a six point win over the Idaho Vandals at Maples Pavilion 86-80.

Despite the tough defense being played, Stanford shot 50 percent in the first half.

Through the first period, Idaho out shot Stanford, hitting 60% from the floor, and they got to the free throw line twice as often.

The game became truly competitive when Stanford got hot in the middle of the second half, particularly from the line. Stanford was granted 25 free throw attempts, on plethora of questionable home calls, in the second half. Compared to the 8 attempts Idaho had in the second. The momentum in the game switched and the comeback was on.

Dorian Pickens, Cardinal guard, led all scorers with 25 points including 21 from beyond the arc. Stanford comes back from being down by 11 to win a game they led for less than nine minutes. They advance to an 8-4 record.

Stanford def. Idaho 86-80