FINAL SCORE
Idaho Vandals - 81
Eastern Washington Eagles - 68
SEASON RECORDS
Idaho - 20-14, 9-9 Big Sky
Eastern Washington - 14-19, 11-7 Big Sky
VANDAL LEADERS
PTS - Kolton Mitchell (26)
AST - Kolton Mitchell (3)
REB - Kolton Mitchell (7)
BLK - Trevon Blassingame (1)
STL - Rasmussen, Mitchell (2)
NOTABLES
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Tonight's win punches Idaho's ticket to a conference title game for the first time since the 2014 WAC Conference Tournament
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Idaho has now won at least four straight games for the first time since a six-game victory stretch in the 2017-18 season.
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The Vandals shot over 50% from the field for the second consecutive game, knocking down 50.9% of their shots Tuesday.
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This year marks the first time since the 1989-90 season that both Idaho's men's and women's programs advanced to the Big Sky Championship in the same year.
BOISE, Idaho - It's often said that it is difficult to beat a team three times in a season.
Historically, that is the case, but Idaho Men's Basketball has now pulled off the feat twice in the last five days, soaring past third-seeded Eastern Washington on Tuesday night to punch the program's ticket to the Big Sky Conference Championships.
Coming into the bracket as the #7 seed, the Vandals have rattled off three victories in a row, including over two of the top-three teams in the standings. For the first time since 1993, Idaho is going to play for a Big Sky Championship and a shot at the big dance.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Idaho opened the game with an efficient start on both ends of the floor, going 9-12 from the field over the first 7:30, while holding the Eagles to just 33 percent and 10 points, setting the tone with strong defensive pressure and disciplined offense.
Idaho's early rhythm sparked a key 9–0 run that helped the Vandals build momentum during the opening stretch. Contributions throughout the lineup helped fuel the push, with the Idaho bench adding double-digit points in the first half to provide an offensive lift. Kolton Mitchell led the effort, pouring in 10 first-half points to pace the offense. The Vandals found consistent success attacking the paint and moving the ball while maintaining efficient shooting and control over Eastern– holding them scoreless for nearly five minutes during a pivotal stretch of the half.
The opening period quickly turned physical, with both teams battling inside from the opening tip. Idaho was whistled for 10 fouls in the half while Eastern Washington committed 11, resulting in frequent trips to the free-throw line. The Vandals recorded 18 points in the paint in the half compared to 14 from the Eagles.
Jack Payne broke the sequence with a corner three as the shot clock expired with 1:45 remaining in the half, providing a final push for the Vandals heading into the break.
Idaho wasted no time after the break, as Isaiah Brickner opened the second half with back-to-back layups to keep the Vandals in rhythm. Moments later, Biko Johnson delivered one of the game's biggest plays, spinning through two defenders in isolation for an and-one and converting the free throw to push Idaho ahead by 11.
The Vandals continued to build momentum from there. Mitchell buried a deep three from what felt like downtown Boise before knocking down another triple in the final two minutes to cap a 26-point performance. Jackson Rasmussen added two threes of his own as Idaho's offense continued to find its rhythm.
After the Eagles trimmed the deficit to four with just over 14 minutes remaining, Idaho responded by attacking the interior and generating second-half momentum. The Vandals tallied 16 points in the paint in the period and steadily pulled away down the stretch, riding that effort to the finish and securing their spot in the tournament championship.
Eastern Washington's only lead came early at 5-4 with 17:22 remaining in the first half, roughly three minutes into the game. Idaho responded quickly and never trailed again.
UP NEXT
Winning three games in the big sky tournament has earned UI a spot in the championship game. The boys in black and gold will return to action Wednesday at 9:30 PM MT/8:30 PM PT for the Championship matchup against Montana.
TICKETS
Single session and all-tournament tickets for Starch Madness are on sale now! Secure your tickets to cheer on the Vandals in Boise at starchmadness.com.
FOLLOW THE VANDALS
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