POCATELLO, Idaho --- The Park University Gilbert men's basketball team (1-0) fell 81-71 to the Idaho State University Bengals (1-0), in an exhibition Tuesday night on the road at the Reed Gym in Pocatello, Idaho.

The Buccaneers put up their most valiant fight against a Division I program. Their 10-point loss was the smallest margin of defeat against a D1 school in the Park-Gilbert men's basketball program history.

The Bucs were in control of this contest for the first 25 minutes of action. Their largest lead of the night came with five minutes remaining in the first half, when Idaho State trailed by 14 points. Park-Gilbert kept their lead at double-digits with over 16 minutes remaining in the game, before the Bengals began storming back late.

The Buccaneers outshot the Bengals both from the field and from downtown. Park-Gilbert shot an efficient 50.9% from the field and shot an impressive 12-23 (52.2%) from three-point land.

The backcourt tandem of Tanner Pate and Mahlik Lindsey scored nearly half of the Bucs' 71 points, each scoring a team-high 17 points and combining for eight made three-pointers.

Guard Toate Sika scored 11 points and picked up three steals. Forward David Onyeogaziri came off the bench and provided a valuable 10 points in 14 minutes.

The Buccaneers return to the floor this Friday, Nov. 7 at 1:30 p.m. MST, when they face the Northwest University Eagles (0-0) in a neutral site contest in Caldwell Idaho. Park-Gilbert will compete in the Taco Bell Shoutout this weekend, as they play the No. 1 ranked College of Idaho this Saturday.