MOSCOW, Idaho. – The Big Sky season is finally upon us as Idaho (5-6) hosts local rival Eastern Washington (8-5) at 7 p.m. on Friday night in Cowan Spectrum.  The Vandals will be celebrating the holiday season in style, with the front gates open for all to attend free of charge.
 
FOLLOW: Fans can watch live through the Big Sky app or the link on the right.  Fans can also follow along with live stats or Twitter, @VandalHoops.  You can also catch the action live with Chris King and the Vandal Radio Network.  Links to all can be found on the men's basketball schedule page or the links to the right.
 
PREVIEW: Idaho lost last time out, 86-80, at Stanford.  The Vandals came out hot, taking a lead into the half, but ran out of gas down the stretch.  Victor Sanders led the team with 17 points, while Brayon Blake added 14 off the bench.
 
Eastern Washington has lost three straight, but has played some quality opponents in recent weeks.  Most recently, the Eagles fell to Colorado on the road, 76-68.
 
LOCAL RIVALS: Idaho and Eastern Washington have seen a lot of each other over the last two years, facing off six times.  The two teams met in the Big Sky Quarterfinals each of the last two years, with Idaho winning the most recent meeting.  Overall, EWU is 4-2 over the last two seasons against Idaho, but the Vandals have won two straight.
 
BIG SKY REGULAR SEASON: Last year, Idaho finished in third in the regular season despite a number of injuries that forced key players to miss long stretches. Idaho was picked to finish third in the preseason media poll and second in the coaches' poll.  EWU was picked fifth and seventh, respectively.
 
NOTES: For more notes and stats check the link on the right.
 
Check back with GoVandals.com following the game for the complete recap and reactions.
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho men's basketball by following the team on twitter, @VandalHoops.

For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com.  Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.