The Idaho Vandals secured a close victory over the Washington State Cougars, ending the game at 83-81. The Vandals maintained a lead throughout, bolstered by solid performances from Kristian Gonzalez and Jack Payne. This win marks Idaho's first victory against WSU since 2017 and marks a strong season opener, showcasing newfound talent from freshmen players.

By the Numbers
  • Krisitan Gonzalez led the team with 18 points.
  • Idaho has now made 47 consecutive games with five or more three-pointers, the 10th-longest streak in the nation.
  • Jack Payne registered 7 rebounds and 2 blocks, leading in both categories for Idaho.
  • Idaho's shooting percentages: 50% from the field, 39% from three-point range, and 74% from the free-throw line.
State of Play
  • This was Idaho's first season opener at Washington State in three years.
  • The Vanderbilt players displayed significant contributions, particularly from true freshmen.
  • The Vandals led by as much as 16 points in the game before fending off a late comeback from WSU.
What's Next

Idaho will host Whitman on November 7, 2025, as they look to build on this momentum in their home opener at ICCU Arena.

Bottom Line

The Idaho Vandals' triumph against a ranked opponent sets a promising tone for the season. With a mix of returning talent and impactful newcomers, the team aims to continue its upward trajectory and solidify its presence in collegiate basketball.