Idaho State holds off Whitworth

POCATELLO – Dustin McConnell’s 3-point attempt as time expired just missed off of the back iron as Idaho State held off Whitworth 68-65 in a men’s basketball exhibition Tuesday.

George Valle and McConnell led the Pirates with 15 points apiece. Taylor Farnsworth had 12 points and five rebounds.

Chris Hansen scored 23 points and Melvin Morgan added 20 for the NCAA Division I Bengals.

Idaho State took a 57-45 lead, its largest of the game, about midway through the second half. The Pirates got to within 63-62 on McConnell’s layup with just more than 4 minutes to play, but the Bengals pulled away with five straight free throws.

The Pirates open their season at home Nov. 17 against St. Thomas (Minn.).