Idaho Basketball Achieves Milestone
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 achievement for the program, which has seen a steady increase in its win total under head coach Alex Pribble, now in his third season.
This season, Idaho boasts a record of 20-14, including a 9-9 mark in the Big Sky Conference. Kolton Mitchell led the Vandals in the semifinal game with an impressive 26 points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. “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,” Mitchell commented after the game.
Idaho’s current success is particularly noteworthy as it has won at least four consecutive games for the first time since the 2017-18 season. Historically, the Big Sky Tournament has not favored the Vandals, who have only secured two conference tournament wins since rejoining the Big Sky in the 2014-15 season.
In addition to their men’s team advancing, this year marks the first time since the 1989-90 season that both Idaho’s men’s and women’s basketball teams have reached the Big Sky Championship in the same year. Coach Alex Pribble expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments, stating, “What a great day to be a Vandal.”
Idaho’s last NCAA Tournament appearance was in 1990, and the team has not won multiple games in a conference tournament since the 2013-14 season. The Vandals will now prepare to face the Montana Grizzlies in the Big Sky Championship game on March 11, 2026, at 9:30 PM MT.
As the Vandals gear up for this pivotal matchup, expectations are high among fans and players alike. Coach Pribble has emphasized the importance of the legacy left by past teams, saying, “What he represents and the special teams in ‘80 and ‘82 and the legacy that he left here, we talk about it.”
With the momentum on their side, Idaho basketball is poised to make a significant impact in the championship game. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the team’s strategy and lineup for the upcoming match against Montana.
