MOSCOW, Idaho—The Vandals look to bounce back against Sacramento State on Thursday, following a heartbreaking loss to Montana State last weekend. Idaho, currently positioned third in the Big Sky, faces a tough test against the Hornets high-scoring offense and their constant pressure on defense.
About Idaho: Idaho continues on the road this week, starting with Sacramento State on Thursday. The Vandals are 2-0 in Big Sky play away from the Cowan Spectrum. Idaho defeated NAU and SUU in its lone conference road trip.
About the Opponent: Sacramento State broke a DI record with 25 3FGM last Saturday in its win over Portland State. It marked the second time this season the Hornets have hit 126 points.
The Match-Up: The Vandals own a 5-3 series lead over Sacramento state, despite losing both matchups last season. Idaho's last win came on Nov. 27, 2010 (88-66).
Close Encounters: Idaho lost to Montana State by three on Saturday. The Vandals are now 3-3 in games decided by 10 points or less.
RPI: Idaho owns the top RPI, 123, in the Big Sky Conference.
Bounce Back: Idaho is 3-2 following a loss this season. The team was 10-5 last season following a loss. On the flip side Idaho is 9-4 this season after a win.
Halftime: The Vandals are 11-1 when leading at the half. The Vandals have trailed six times this season at the break. Idaho is 2-4 when trailing at the half. Last season Idaho was 0-12 when starting the second half behind on the scoreboard.
That 70's Show: Idaho is 13-1 when opponents were held under 70 points. The team is 0-5 when allowing 70 or more points this season.
20+ Club: Idaho has won eight games this season by a margin of 20 or more points, matching last season's total.
Make it Rain: The Vandals are third in the NCAA with 10.3 3FGM per game. As a team they have hit a combined 196 3-pointers, fourth most in the NCAA.
Hard to Stop: Opponents have struggled to slow the Idaho offense. Idaho is averaging 70.6 ppg (3rd BSC) and is out-scoring opponents by 10.8 ppg, second in the conference.
First 10: Idaho shot a season-high 52.25 (12-23) in the first quarter against CSUN, to open the season. The Vandals have been great in the first 10 minutes, out-scoring teams, 283-248
Second 10: Idaho has out-scored opponents by 89 points (356-267) in the second quarter. The Vandals have scored 121 points in the second frame in Big Sky play including a season-high 29 against North Dakota.
Second Half Surge: Idaho has scored 696 points in the second half this season (excluding OT). Idaho is out-scoring opponents by 93 points in the final 20 minutes (excluding OT).
In Relief: Idaho has twice scored a season-high 46 points off the bench against North Dakota and Idaho State. The Vandals have scored 470 points off the bench, averaging 24.7 points per game, out-scoring opponents by an average of 6.5 ppg.
Thievery: Idaho scored a season-high 37 points off turnovers against CSUN. The Vandals scored have scored 20+ points off turnovers eight times this season, six games better than last season.
Down Low: The Vandals posted 450 points in the paint, averaging 24.1 per game (40 vs CSUN season-high). Idaho averaged 27.3 points in the paint last season.
Playing Nice: Idaho is the least penalized team in the Big Sky, averaging 14.4 personal fouls per game. The Vandals rank 18th in nation in the category.
Helpers: Idaho has averaged 14.5 assist per game this season, ranking fourth in the Big Sky.
Charity: Idaho made a season-high 18 free-throws against North Dakota. The Vandals are shooting a Big Sky best, 79.7 percent, from the line in conference play, including a 14-for-15 performance against UNC.
Rejected: Idaho swatted a season-high 10 shots against Wyoming. The most since blocking 10 against Seattle U on March 1, 2014. The Vandals are second in the conf. with 5.0 blocks per game and 95 total on the season.
Tough D: Opponents are shooting just 36.0 percent, ranking second in the Big Sky in Field-Goal Percentage Defense.
