MOSCOW, Idaho. – Another challenging opponent awaits Idaho (5-7, 0-1) on Thursday night in the Cowan Spectrum as long-time rival Montana (6-9, 1-1) comes to town for a 7 p.m. tilt.  The game will also serve as the annual "Reno Night" with the Big Sky Conference promoting the upcoming Championships.
 
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 dropped its Big Sky opener to Eastern Washington on Friday night, 69-62.  Idaho fought back from down 20-plus midway through the second half to make it a game, but ran out of time down the stretch.  Victor Sanders was tremendous, scoring a game-high 32 points, including 27 in the second half.
 
Montana split on its opening weekend, defeating Idaho State and falling to defending tournament-champion Weber State in overtime on Saturday.
 
LOCAL RIVALS: PART 2: Idaho and Montana met twice last season, with the teams splitting the meetings.  Idaho got the win in the regular season, in Missoula, after an incredible defensive effort in the second half gave the Vandals a lead they would not relinquish.  The second meeting came in the Big Sky Semifinals, with Montana shooting a remarkably high percentage to earn the win and a spot in the championship game.
 
VANDALS CLOSE STRONG: It didn't end as planned, but the Vandals closed out the final six minutes against Eastern Washington in incredible fashion.  Sanders scored 20 down the stretch, including Idaho's final 18 points, while the Eagles scored just nine.  The Vandal defense was other-worldly, forcing seven turnovers and picking up six steals in the final six minutes.
 
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.