GAME NOTES - IDAHO @ IDAHO STATE

MOSCOW, Idaho - After claiming the first win in Ogden since 2018, the Idaho Vandals have another quick turnaround ahead of them in their second road game in three days, crossing the northbound border for Pocatello, Idaho to renew a storied in-state rivalry with the Idaho State Bengals on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 2:00 PM MST / 1:00 PM PST.

The matchup comes with some extra hardware since the storied "Battle for King Spud" was reintroduced alongside its titular trophy in 2022. Originally commissioned in 1962, the trophy mysteriously disappeared after the 1979 season and has yet to be found. Sixty years after the inception of the original, joint efforts from both schools resulted in a new version to rekindle the fire of the rivalry. 

King Spud is awarded every year to the school who wins at least three of the four regular-season matchups between Idaho and Idaho State's men's and women's teams. In the event of a tie, the trophy will go to the institution with the highest combined point differential of the games. Idaho State has held onto the accolade since its reintroduction in 2022, a trend that the Vandals are looking to reverse.

LAST TIME OUT
UI and ISU split their last regular season matchups with each team winning at home. The Bengals edged the Vandals 64-59 in Pocatello in January, but the black and gold got their revenge in the ICCU Arena, coming out on top in an even closer contest, 55-53.

The Bengals are coming off of a 78-70 win over Eastern Washington in Pocatello after dropping their two contests last week to Sacramento State, 71-75, and Portland State, 59-76

SCOUTING THE BENGALS
Idaho State has been one of the stingiest defensive teams in the country due to being among the best at multiple categories. The Bengals are currently fourth in the nation in rebound margin with 10.8, and the only team in the top-7 to do so in less than 20 games. They provide themselves ample opportunities for second-chance points, averaging 14.9 offensive rebounds per game, sixth-best in the country.

Not only have the Bengals controlled the boards this season, they have been among the best at keeping opponents away from the net. Redshirt-freshman center Evan Otten is currently ninth in D1 Basketball with 2.58 blocks per game.

Offensively, point guard Dylan Darling has emerged as a dynamic player as the season has progressed, averaging 16.9 PPG with a 29-point outing last night against Eastern Washington. The Washington State transfer averages 5.8 assists per game (2nd in BSC) and is currently fourth in assist to turnover ratio (2.3).

SERIES HISTORY VS IDAHO STATE
Idaho and Idaho State have faced off 26 times since the turn of the century, with the Bengals holding a 17-9 lead since 2004. The Vandals have won the most recent contest, but ISU has claimed seven of the last eight, and the black and gold will be seeking their first win in Pocatello since 2017.

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

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