Both of the University of Idaho men’s and women’s basketball teams knew they would compete in an altered schedule featuring Big Sky conference games, but there was uncertainty whetherthey would be able to compete in non-conference games. That uncertainty was cleared once it was announced Nov. 12 that both teams officially would compete in non-conference games.
The men’s team will be on the road for all non-conference games, but the women’s team will host two non-conference games.
Men’s Basketball
The Vandals open their season by playing in a multiple team event (MTE) hosted by the University of Portland. They will play against Seattle University on Nov. 25 and then play the hosts of the MTE Nov. 27. They close out the MTE on Nov. 28 against Cal Poly. No fan attendance will be permitted at the MTE.
The Vandals travel to Pullman, Washington to relive a long rivalry with Washington State as they will compete in the 116th Battle of the Palouse on Dec. 9. The Vandals lost the match-up last season 78-65 in Cowan Spectrum. The Vandals travel to Bakersfield, California to face-off against California State University, Bakersfield three days later.
The highlight of the Vandals non-conference play will come against Gonzaga University as they travel to Spokane, Washington Dec. 14. Gonzaga was named the No.1 seed by AP Preseason Poll this season.
This will be the first time that the Vandals will play the No. 1 seed in the AP poll. Idaho is 12-49 when it comes to playing ranked teams and the last time the Vandals beat a ranked opponent was back in the 2010-11 season when they defeated No. 21 Utah State.
Women’s Basketball
The Vandals will play five non-conference games this season with the Battle of the Palouse and the University of Texas gaming highlighting their non-conference schedule.
“There’s still teams out there that are still trying to solidify things,” Jon Newlee, head coach of women’s basketball, said. “It’s been a struggle; it’s been a challenge. The network was in full force to get the schedule in place, but I’m happy with it, I’m pleased with it. It’s really going to test us, but again that’s what I want going into conference play.”
Idaho was scheduled to open the season at home against Lewis-Clark State College before heading on the road to play Oregon State, but both of these games have been cancelled. Rather, Newlee’s squad will open the season inside Memorial Gym against Sacramento State on Dec. 3.
After a series of conference games, the Vandals will be tested by Power-5 opponent Texas. The Vandals will play their third and final Power-5 opponent in Washington State in the Battle of the Palouse Dec. 13.
“I like to schedule hard,” Newlee said. “I like to see what our team is made of in the non-conference. The number of non-conference games we could play made it a little difficult to kind of mix it up.”The Vandals will finish non-conference play against Seattle University at home Dec. 21. Last season, the Vandals finished out on top after playing in double overtime.
Idaho Governor Brad Little’s decision to move Idaho back to Stage 2 of the Idaho Rebounds, Vandal Athletics at this time will not be hosting fans for games this season.
Armin Mesinovic can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @arminmesinovic.