From the moment Julius Mims stepped on the court in ICCU Arena in 2023, his presence as an impact player in Head Coach Alex Pribble’s system was immediate. In 59 games played as a Vandal, Mims has averaged 10 points and nearly seven rebounds per game, while also accumulating over 75 blocks. Mims played his last home game as a Vandal on March 1 and was electric during an 81-79 Senior Night victory for Idaho (13-17, 8-9).
This was Idaho’s second consecutive game that had over 2,000 attendees, and Mims took advantage of the loud crowd, giving Idaho numerous momentum swings with clutch blocks and rebounds. Mims had a significant impact on both sides of the ball, finishing with six points, 13 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal. He shot a perfect three-for-three from the floor and prevented Weber State’s frontcourt from developing any traction.
Weber State (11-20, 5-12) entered the game having won both of their last two contests by exactly two points. Due primarily to Blaise Threatt’s 32-point performance, Weber State forced overtime and had their fourth consecutive one-possession finish. Threatt absolutely dominated in all facets of this game, sinking 12 of his 13 free throw attempts and finishing with nine assists and six rebounds.
Threatt’s heroics were nearly enough for the Bobcats to upset the Vandals, but a fantastic team effort from beyond the arc led Idaho to a much-needed home win. This was Threatt’s third 30-point performance this season. Emotions were tense in a game that provided a fitting start to March.
Idaho had four double-digit scorers and made 15 three-pointers in their first overtime game of the campaign. Tyler Mrus, Kolton Mitchell and Kristian Gonzalez combined for 58 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
For the second consecutive game, the Vandals were dominated in the paint, scoring only 18 points compared to Weber State’s 42. Idaho narrowly avoided losing two games in three days and kept their hopes of a first-round bye in the Big Sky tournament alive.
Idaho currently holds the fifth seed, but Northern Arizona and Montana State also have nine conference losses. The top six teams will receive an automatic quarterfinal berth. The Vandals travel to Bozeman to play Montana State in the season finale on March 3 at 6 p.m. The Big Sky Conference tournament begins on March 8.