The Idaho men’s basketball team enters the Big Sky postseason tournament with the No. 3 seed. The team will begin play Tuesday after receiving a first round bye.
Josh Grissom | Sports Editor
Prediction: Semi-finals
The Vandals enter the Big Sky tournament with a starting lineup that is finally healthy. Multiple starters battled lingering injuries throughout the conference season, including leading scorer Victor Sanders, who suffered a broken shooting hand earlier in the year. The sophomore guard exploded for 25 points against Idaho State Saturday, proving he is back to his old form. While the Vandals have won six of their last seven, the team faces stout competition in Reno. Idaho should make a solid run through tournament play, before falling in a semi-final matchup.
Luis Torres | Vandal Nation Manager
Prediction: Finals
Idaho’s success in the tournament will depend on shooting from the field and the reduction of turnovers. If the team can handle these issues, I see the Vandals reaching the tournament championship. Idaho has beaten several top teams throughout the season, and nothing appears to negatively impact the team. Idaho head coach Don Verlin deserves a lot of credit and consideration for Big Sky Coach of the Year after leading the Vandals to the team’s first 20-win season in 23 years. However, Weber State appears to be a potentially difficult opponent for Idaho, so strong defense and fewer errors will be key if the Vandals are to win.
Tess Fox | Photo Editor
Prediction: Second round
Sophomore Victor Sanders and junior Perrion Callandret may be on the court again, but the team has created success and rhythm without the pair. The team will have to adjust to another starting lineup, which will prove to be its downfall. Sanders and Callandret will lead the offensive charge, but defensively the team will fall flat and exit the tournament early.
Mihaela Karst | Sports Writer
Prediction: Finals
The men’s basketball team will find itself in the championship game at the conclusion of the Big Sky Conference tournament. Despite hot shooting from sophomore Victor Sanders and junior Perrion Callandret, the defining factor for the Vandals will be defense. Idaho has beaten the top five teams in the conference, so it should come as no surprise if the team is able to claim victory over much of the competition in Reno.
Brandon Hill | Sports Writer
Prediction: Finals
Idaho head coach Don Verlin said defense will be key in the Big Sky tournament, after the team posted a commanding victory over Idaho State. The Vandals possess one of the best defenses in the conference and are entering Reno with a three-game win streak. Eastern Washington and Montana could potentially derail Idaho’s conference hopes, but the team should be able to secure a victory. The Vandals will find success due to rebounding and scoring late in close matchups.