Idaho Basketball Makes History
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 milestone for the Vandals, who have shown remarkable improvement under head coach Alex Pribble.
With a current season record of 20-14 and a 9-9 performance in the Big Sky Conference, Idaho has increased its win total in each of Pribble’s three seasons. Kolton Mitchell led the team with 26 points in the semifinal game, showcasing his pivotal role in the Vandals’ success.
This season has been particularly notable for Idaho, as they have won at least four straight games for the first time since the 2017-18 season. The Vandals have not won multiple games in a conference tournament since the 2013-14 season, making this year’s performance even more impressive.
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, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams 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.
Pribble expressed pride in the team’s achievements, stating, “What a great day to be a Vandal.” Mitchell echoed this sentiment, 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 is eager to change that narrative. They will face the Montana Grizzlies in the Big Sky Championship game 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 keen to see if they can capitalize on their momentum and secure a championship title. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final game strategy and lineup.