Idaho Basketball Advances to Championship
Idaho men’s basketball has made a significant achievement by reaching 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 pivotal moment for the Vandals, who have shown remarkable improvement under head coach Alex Pribble.
With this win, Idaho’s current season record stands at 20-14, including a 9-9 performance in the Big Sky Conference. Kolton Mitchell was instrumental in the semifinal game, leading the team with 26 points, showcasing his offensive prowess and contributing to the team’s success.
Idaho’s recent performance is noteworthy as they have increased their win total in each of Pribble’s three seasons at the helm. The team has also achieved a winning streak of at least four games for the first time since the 2017-18 season, a testament to their growth and resilience.
Historically, the Big Sky Tournament has not been favorable to the Vandals, with only two conference tournament wins since they re-joined the Big Sky in the 2014-15 season. Prior to this year, Idaho had not won multiple games in a conference tournament since the 2013-14 season, making this year’s success particularly significant.
Idaho’s last appearance in the NCAA Tournament dates back to 1990, and the anticipation surrounding their potential return is palpable among fans and players alike. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams have advanced to the Big Sky Championship in the same year for the first time since the 1989-90 season, adding to the excitement surrounding Idaho basketball.
Coach Alex Pribble expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments, stating, “What a great day to be a Vandal.” He emphasized the importance of the team’s legacy and the support from their fans, as Kolton Mitchell noted, “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.”
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 claim their first conference title in over three decades.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific strategies the team will employ against Montana, but the excitement surrounding Idaho basketball continues to grow as they aim for a historic victory.
