Idaho Basketball Makes History
The Idaho Vandals men’s basketball team has reached the Big Sky Tournament championship game for the first time since 1993, following a decisive 81-68 victory over the Eastern Washington Eagles. This win marks a significant milestone for the program, which has seen an increase in its win total during each of head coach Alex Pribble’s three seasons.
Idaho’s current season record stands at 20-14, with a balanced 9-9 record in the Big Sky Conference. Kolton Mitchell was instrumental in the semifinal game, leading the team with 26 points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Historically, the Big Sky Tournament has posed challenges for the Vandals, who have only secured two conference tournament wins since rejoining the Big Sky in the 2014-15 season. This year, however, Idaho has demonstrated resilience, winning at least four consecutive games for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
In a notable achievement, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams from Idaho advanced to the Big Sky Championship in the same year for the first time since the 1989-90 season. This accomplishment highlights the growing strength of Idaho basketball across both programs.
Pribble expressed pride in the team’s performance, stating, “What a great day to be a Vandal.” He emphasized the legacy of past teams and the importance of their journey this season. Mitchell also acknowledged the support of the fans, saying, “We have the best fans… It’s really special to be able to do it for them and hopefully we’re able to get it done tomorrow.”
Idaho’s last NCAA Tournament appearance was in 1990, and the team aims to break that drought with a strong showing in the upcoming championship game. They will face the Montana Grizzlies on March 11, 2026, at 9:30 PM MT, with hopes of securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
As the Vandals prepare for this crucial matchup, observers are eager to see if they can continue their winning streak and bring home the championship title. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the team’s strategies and lineup for the final game.
