In a nail-biting overtime thriller that left spectators breathless, Idaho edged out Cal Poly in a 83-80 victory on December 21, 2025, proving once again why college basketball can deliver some of the most unforgettable moments on the court.
The game unfolded in San Luis Obispo, California, where the Vandals from Idaho showed incredible resilience against the Mustangs of Cal Poly. At the center of it all was Idaho's star guard Kolton Mitchell, who erupted for a game-high 31 points, including a clutch six points in the tense final seven seconds of overtime. For those new to basketball, overtime kicks in when the score is tied at the end of regulation, giving both teams an extra four minutes to settle things— and boy, did Mitchell make the most of it.
The drama peaked when Mitchell drew a foul on a three-point attempt with just seven seconds on the clock, sinking the free throw to complete a rare four-point play and put Idaho ahead 81-78. A four-point play, by the way, is a highlight-reel moment where a player nails a three-pointer while getting fouled, then adds the bonus free throw—it's the kind of play that swings momentum dramatically. Cal Poly's Cayden Ward responded quickly, knocking down two free throws with five seconds left to narrow the gap to one point. But Mitchell wasn't done; he sealed the deal by calmly hitting his own pair of free throws with three seconds remaining, ensuring Idaho's hard-fought win.
Beyond his scoring heroics, Mitchell grabbed six rebounds, helping his team control the boards and limit second-chance opportunities for the Mustangs. Teammate Biko Johnson was a force all around, contributing 21 points on 6-of-15 shooting from the field, including 2-of-8 from beyond the arc—those long-range shots that can change a game's complexion. He was nearly perfect at the line, going 7-for-8, and rounded out a stellar performance with eight rebounds, five assists (passes that set up scores), and four steals to disrupt Cal Poly's rhythm. Another key contributor, Trevon Blassingame, was lights-out from deep, hitting 4-of-7 three-pointers on his way to 12 points, while also snagging seven rebounds to bolster Idaho's frontcourt presence. With this win, the Vandals improved to 8-4 on the season, building momentum as conference play looms.
On the other side, Cal Poly's Hamad Mousa put on a show that nearly turned the tide, leading all scorers with 33 points and pulling down 10 rebounds in a double-double effort— that's when a player hits double figures in points and rebounds, a mark of all-around dominance. Ward supported him with 22 points and six boards, but it wasn't enough to overcome Idaho's late surge. And here's where it gets controversial: Mousa himself forced overtime by getting fouled on a three-pointer with just three seconds left in regulation and drilling all three free throws to tie the game at 71-71. Some fans are still debating whether that foul call was spot-on or a bit generous—calls like that can ignite endless arguments about refereeing in high-stakes moments. What do you think: was it a fair whistle, or did it rob Cal Poly of a potential upset? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you're Team Foul or Team No-Call!
This recap was crafted with insights from advanced data tools provided by Data Skrive and powered by Sportradar, ensuring every detail is backed by reliable stats. And this is the part most people miss: games like this aren't just about the final score—they highlight how individual brilliance and team grit can create lasting rivalries in college hoops. Stay tuned for more action as these squads push forward.
