Idaho Basketball Achieves Milestone
Idaho men’s basketball reached the Big Sky Tournament championship game for the first time since 1993 after defeating Eastern Washington 81-68. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Vandals, who have shown remarkable improvement under head coach Alex Pribble.
With a current season record of 20-14, Idaho has increased its win total in each of Pribble’s three seasons at the helm. Kolton Mitchell led the team with 26 points in the semifinal game against Eastern Washington, showcasing his pivotal role in the team’s success.
Idaho’s performance in the tournament has been noteworthy, as they have won at least four straight games for the first time since the 2017-18 season. This is particularly significant considering Idaho has not won multiple games in a conference tournament since the 2013-14 season.
Historically, the Big Sky Tournament has not been kind to the Vandals, with only two conference tournament wins since re-joining the Big Sky in 2014-15. However, this year, the team has demonstrated resilience and determination, culminating in their advancement to the championship game.
Pribble expressed pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “What a great day to be a Vandal.” Mitchell echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of their fan support: “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 is eager to change that narrative. The Vandals’ men’s and women’s basketball teams both advanced to the Big Sky Championship in the same year for the first time since the 1989-90 season, highlighting a resurgence in Idaho basketball.
Looking ahead, Idaho will face the Montana Grizzlies in the Big Sky Championship game on March 11, 2026, at 9:30 PM MT. This matchup presents an opportunity for the Vandals to secure their first NCAA Tournament berth in over three decades.
As the team prepares for this pivotal game, observers are keen to see if Idaho can capitalize on their momentum and achieve a historic victory. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the team’s strategy and lineup for the championship game.
