The Idaho Vandals men’s basketball thinks of Boise as their second home and over Thanksgiving, the Vandals will be able to show out and play some tournament basketball in the Gem State.
The Vandals will host the Holiday Hoops Classic down in Boise. The Vandals will face off against two teams in Idaho Central Arena. Their first game in the tournament is against California State Northridge Matadors, who currently sit at 3-2, on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. PST.
They follow up with a game against Sam Houston State University, who is 2-2, in the second game of the hoop’s classic on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. PST.
There is a lot of momentum right now for the Idaho Vandals in the season, and they hope to capitalize on it before conference play begins.
“In all three of these games, we have been more of a consistent ball club,” head coach Alex Pribble said.
Including the game against Boise State, Idaho has had an outstanding performance against teams who are very physical and that play in tougher leagues, proving the Vandals have a chance to really be different this year. A lot of players have shined this season, with nine returning players.
The Vandals have an experienced ball team that can handle the stress better since they have been in these environments before. A standout player who has made an impact in his first year already is Jackson Rasmussen. He put up 19 points against Whitman College and 12 against Washington State University.
“He’s an extremely coachable kid, and he just continues to get better. We’re excited about the performance he’s had so far,” Pribble said. Looking into the season, he will be someone to keep an eye on.
Last season the Vandals walked away with 14 wins, and they haven’t been the best for a while. This time around the basketball team is on track to start a new chapter and create a new environment to thrive in.
“Were trying to build a program here…there’s been a tradition of success but hasn’t been here for a while,” Pribble said.
The team will look to build on the momentum and show out in their second home as they prepare for the rest of the season this tournament is a great opportunity and a great test for this Vandals team.
Tickets for the Holiday Hoops Classic, including student tickets, are on sale through the Idaho Central Arena box office and are available for purchase.