The Vandals prepare for their final home stretch of the season in Cowan Spectrum against the Portland State and Sacramento State.
Idaho (4-23, BSC 1-15) snapped its 11-game streak of losing by double-digits against Southern Utah, but will continue searching for its first win since Jan. 3.
While Idaho sits at the bottom of the Big Sky, the troubling season drops the Vandals near the bottom of the nation as well.
According to the NCAA men’s basketball NET rankings, the Vandals rank 341st out of 353 teams in Divison 1 college basketball.
The tormenting season is nearly over with four games left in the regular season, leaving little time for the Vandals and some hope during the offseason for fans.
The Vandals had four scorers in double figures against Southern Utah, but rebounding issues plagued Idaho during another loss.
Sophomore guard Geno West drives toward the hoop past a Northern Colorado player in Cowan Spectrum.
Idaho will now finish its final two home games against two of the top-five teams in the conference in rebounding margin, with Portland State ranking first in the Big Sky.
The rebounding struggles and turnover woes for the Vandals have haunted the transition season, leaving many desperate for one final win during this season.
The Vandals lost to Portland State and Sacramento State by a combined 37 points at the end of January and will be fighting for history to not repeat itself once more.
The Vikings rank second in scoring offense in the Big Sky, av- eraging 78 points per game, while Idaho ranks last in the conference averaging nearly 73 points a game.
Idaho freshman Jared Rodriguez played one of his best games of the season against Southern Utah last week, finishing with 28 points and 11 rebounds. Expect him to be relied on heavily throughout the week. The Vandal offense working best when the frontcourt can get going early.
If Rodriguez can find open shots in the paint, perimeter shooting for junior guard Trevon Allen and freshman guard Cameron Tyson could open up for Idaho throughout Thursday’s and Saturday’s games.
Unlike last season, senior day will be a puzzling one for fans with no current senior players on the active roster.
Senior Nate Sherwood was not able to play this season due to an undisclosed injury, forcing him to leave basketball. The loss of Sherwood left the Vandals having to scramble this season to develop a young frontcourt with the growing pains at the forefront.
No matter the game plan this week, the biggest key for a Vandal victory before the season ends is for this team to find a way to come together for a full 40 minutes.
The Vandals found consistent scoring last week. If that can continue this week, a coveted win might finally be in reach.
Idaho will face the Portland State Vikings in Cowan Spectrum Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.
Chris Deremer can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Cderemer_VN