- Matchup: Montana Grizzlies vs Idaho Vandals
- Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
- Venue: ICCU Arena, Moscow, ID
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Idaho Vandals, with a record of 9-5, are set to face off against the Montana Grizzlies, who stand at 8-7, in an exciting matchup at ICCU Arena on Thursday.
The Montana Grizzlies recently played against Northern Colorado, clinching a victory with a score of 88-79. In terms of fouls, the Grizzlies accumulated 19 fouls compared to 24 for Northern Colorado. Montana succeeded with 11 of 35 attempts from beyond the arc. Northern Colorado had a free throw success rate of 76.2%, hitting 16 of 21. The rebounding battle saw Northern Colorado grabbing 31 boards (8 offensive, 23 defensive) without a block. They also achieved 19 assists and 4 steals. From a defensive standpoint, Montana limited their opponent to 36.6% shooting from the field (26 out of 71). The Grizzlies recorded 15 assists, forced 10 turnovers, and secured 5 steals. In rebounding, they secured a total of 34 boards, 4 of which were offensive. At the free-throw line, Montana excelled, converting 35 of 38 attempts for an impressive 92.1% success rate. The Grizzlies concluded the game with a field goal percentage of 44.2%, hitting 23 of 52 shots and making 7 of 24 three-point attempts.
Key player Money Williams had a standout performance, shooting 46.7% from the field, dishing out 5 assists, and gathering 4 rebounds in 34 minutes on the floor. He scored a total of 31 points from 7 of 15 shooting.
This season, Montana holds a record of 8-7, committing 14.1 turnovers per game and averaging 17.9 personal fouls. As a team, they gather 37.5 rebounds per game and have compiled 243 assists this season, ranking 93rd nationally. From three-point range, the Grizzlies have a shooting percentage of 35.1% (127 of 362) and convert 76.0% of their free throw attempts. They average 81.2 points per game, placing them 105th in Division 1, alongside a field goal percentage of 49.2%.
On the defensive end, Montana generates 11.1 turnovers per game and draws an average of 18.3 fouls. They restrict opponents to 30.5% shooting from the three-point range while ranking 211th in points allowed per game at 74.4. Their opposition field goal percentage stands at 42.2% (406 of 962) and they concede an average of 34.5 rebounds per match, making them 191st in the nation for assists allowed, with 203 given up this year.
In their previous game, the Idaho Vandals triumphed over Eastern Washington with a final score of 84-81. In terms of rebounding, Idaho allowed Eastern Washington to collect 41 rebounds (23 offensive). They registered a shooting percentage of 36.4% from three-point territory, sinking 8 of 22 attempts and converting 17 of 25 free throw attempts for 68.0%. The Vandals’ defense allowed Eastern Washington to score 28 of 70 field goal attempts, achieving a shooting percentage of 40.0%. By the end of the game, Idaho shot 49.1%, hitting 26 out of 53 attempts from the field, including 11 of 29 three-pointers (37.9%). They capitalized on 29 free throw attempts, converting 21 for a rate of 72.4%. The matchup saw Eastern Washington commit 23 fouls, giving Idaho ample free throw opportunities. Additionally, the Vandals forced 13 turnovers and made 9 steals, managing to collect a total of 29 rebounds, split between 19 defensive and 10 offensive boards.
Key player Kolton Mitchell played a pivotal role for the Vandals, scoring 32 points in 37 minutes of action and adding 2 assists. He shot an impressive 66.7%, hitting 10 of 15 attempts, and also contributed 2 rebounds.
Idaho’s current record is 9-5. The Vandals average 17.7 fouls per game and maintain a free throw success rate of 76.5%. They distribute 14.7 assists per game (ranking 157th in Division 1) while turning the ball over 11.5 times per game. Idaho has totaled 1,139 points this season (81.4 per game) and pulls down an average of 37.9 rebounds per game. Offensively, they are shooting 45.4% from the field, which is 194th in Division 1.
On the defensive side, Idaho allows opponents to shoot 33.1% from three-point range (113 of 341) and 68.9% from the free-throw line. They permit an average of 12.1 assists and 32.4 rebounds per game, ranking 77th and 81st nationally. Their defensive unit is positioned 150th in points allowed per game, with an average of 72.0. They generate 11.4 turnovers per game and have permitted teams to achieve a field goal percentage of 42.5% (130th in college basketball).
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Go with Montana
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