GAME NOTES - IDAHO VS. NORTHERN ARIZONA

MOSCOW, Idaho – After a thrilling buzzer-beater victory over the University of Northern Colorado (77-76) on their home court, the Idaho men's basketball team is excited to carry that momentum into Saturday's matchup against Northern Arizona University.

Following his dramatic last-second shot, Kolton Mitchell became the first Idaho freshman since 2019 to make at least five three-pointers in a single game.
Additionally, senior Kyson Rose joined the prestigious 1,000-point club with his 6 points off the bench.
With this victory, Idaho's conference record improved to 4-3, bringing their overall record to 9-11. They currently hold the No. 4 position in the Big Sky Conference with a winning percentage of .571. 

LAST TIME OUT
The previous encounter between Idaho and the Lumberjacks resulted in a Vandal victory, with Idaho winning 86-76 in February 2024. Two returning players, Julius Mims and Takai Hardy, delivered strong performances, both scoring in double digits. Hardy contributed 10 points and four rebounds, while Mims added 15 points, two blocks, and three rebounds. 

The Vandals were slow to start offensively in the first half, attempting only six shots from beyond the arc. However, they regrouped at halftime, finishing the second half shooting 50.0% from three-point range, 42.86% in the paint, and 84.21% at the free-throw line. 

SCOUTING THE LUMBERJACKS
Northern Arizona University currently holds a 3-4 record in the Big Sky Conference and a 12-8 overall record after their recent win against the Eastern Washington Eagles (70-61) on Wednesday night. In that matchup, the Lumberjacks showcased an impressive 46.7% field goal percentage and secured 30 rebounds defensively.
Despite their lower ranking, the Lumberjacks lead the conference in two categories: player scoring average and total rebounds. Senior guard Trent McLaughlin ranks No. 1 in scoring in the Big Sky with an average of 21.9 points per game, while red-shirt junior Carson Towt leads the conference in rebounds with a total of 231 this season (2024-25).

SERIES HISTORY
Idaho and Northern Arizona have faced each other 20 times since 2015, with the Lumberjacks holding a 12-8 advantage. The Vandals have a record of 4-6 at home and 4-5 on the road against NAU. The Lumberjacks have won three out of the last 10 matchups, but the Vandals are optimistic about securing a win this weekend. 

QUICK FACTS
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 25
WHERE: ICCU Arena // Moscow, ID
TIME: 12:00 PM PST 

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.and Vandal fans are encouraged to tap into The Varsity Network to hear the Voice of the Vandals, Dennis Patchin, calling the action.

LINKS: Watch (ESPN+) // Listen (The Varsity Network)