Eyassu Worku leads UC Irvine to season-opening win against Idaho

IRVINE, California – Eyassu Worku scored 18 points and UC Irvine used a second-half spurt to top Idaho 86-68 in the season opener for both men’s basketball teams on Tuesday.

John Edgar Jr. added 14 points and Jonathan Galloway grabbed nine rebounds for the Anteaters, who outscored the Vandals 56-34 in the second half after trailing 34-30 at halftime.

Jared Rodriguez led Idaho with 18 points, while Cameron Tyson added 17 for the Vandals.

UC Irvine dominated Idaho in the paint (38-18) and in points off turnovers (15-4). The Vandals shot 46.3 percent from the floor compared to Irvine’s 54 percent.

The Anteaters also handled Idaho on the glass, outrebounding Idaho 42-22 and 15-6 on the offensive boards.

Worku added a team-best six assists for Irvine while shooting 8 of 12 from the floor.

Idaho is replacing all five starters from last season. Trevon Allen, who saw significant time as a reserve last season for the Vandals, scored eight points on 2-of-12 shooting.

The Vandals make their home debut next Tuesday to host Nicholls State at 7 p.m.