MOSCOW, Idaho – Four Vandals scored in double-figures for the second straight game, as Idaho held on to win their Big Sky opener against Montana State, 69-64.

"Montana State has been the cream of the crop in this league, going to the NCAA Tournament the last three years in a row, so our guys knew they had to play our best basketball"  Head Coach Alex Pribble said postgame. "These guys dialed it in. Finished non-conference against Pacific on a great note and kinda carried that over into this game."

Tyler Mrus and Tyler Linhardt led Idaho with 14 points a piece, Kristian Gonzalez added 13 and Julius Mims posted 11. Mims made his presence known inside, putting up nine rebounds, his second highest total of the season. Kolton Mitchell dished out six assists for the second straight game. 

The Vandals jumped out to a quick start, putting up nine straight points to open the game. The Bobcats responded with a 13-4 of their own, tying the game up with 13 minutes left in the opening period. The two teams went punch for punch for the remainder of the half, with Idaho holding the upper hand at the half, up 29-25.

The second half was more of the same, as the Vandals jumped out to a nine-point lead only to be dragged back in by MSU. Things really tightened up following a 9-3 Bobcat run with 3:38 to go, giving Montana State their first lead since early in the first half. Idaho responded with a five point run of their own, retaking the lead in the process. The Bobcats did not have an answer and Mims' fourth dunk of the game and two free throws from Mrus put the game on ice, giving the Vandals their second straight conference opening win. 

Thursday's game marked a couple of major milestones for the Vandals, as Coach Pribble grabbed his 100th career win and Idaho won back-to-back conference openers for the first time since the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. 

"This game was really big for belief," Pribble said. "These guys have to walk on the court expecting to win big games and they did that tonight and I hope they carry that forward."

Idaho now has to get ready to face a tough Montana team on Saturday, Jan. 4th in Moscow. The Grizzlies are ranked 174th in the NET, the highest of any team in the Big Sky Conference.