Idaho Vandals Edge Eastern Washington Eagles in Close Match
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · ICCU Arena
Idaho Vandals 84, Eastern Washington Eagles 81, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Eastern Washington Eagles vs Idaho Vandals?
Idaho Vandals beat Eastern Washington Eagles 84-81 at ICCU Arena on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Eastern Washington Eagles vs Idaho Vandals?
Idaho Vandals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -310 (about 76% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling contest at the ICCU Arena, the Idaho Vandals narrowly defeated the Eastern Washington Eagles with a final score of 84-81. This matchup was particularly interesting as it showcased two teams at opposite ends of the performance spectrum in the NCAAB season. The Vandals entered the game with a home record of 9-5, while the Eagles struggled with an away record of just 2-12.
Idaho's recent form has been relatively strong, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, although they were coming off a loss in their previous outing against Cal State Bakersfield. The Vandals have averaged 80.4 points scored per game while allowing 71.9 points during this stretch. Their home record stands at 3-1 in the last ten, indicating a solid performance on their own court. In contrast, Eastern Washington has been on a downward spiral, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games and currently riding a four-game losing streak. The Eagles have averaged 77.7 points scored but have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 87.3 points.
The game was tightly contested, reflecting the competitive nature of both teams. Idaho's scoring average of 80.4 points per game played a crucial role, particularly in the second half when they managed to maintain a slight edge. The Vandals' scoring prowess was evident as they executed key plays down the stretch, including a critical three-point jumper by Biko Johnson that helped them regain the lead.
Historically, the two teams have faced each other twice in the current season, with Idaho winning one of those matchups. Their previous meeting on January 19 ended in an 83-76 victory for the Vandals, while Eastern Washington managed to secure a win in their earlier encounter on February 16 with a score of 75-73. This fixture added another layer of intensity to the rivalry, as both teams aimed to assert dominance.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant players missing from either team, which allowed both squads to field their regular lineups. This aspect often plays a critical role in determining the outcomes of such tightly contested games.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Idaho favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 158.5. The odds reflected the Vandals' stronger record and home-court advantage, while Eastern Washington's struggles were evident in their underdog status. The moneyline odds were set at -310 for Idaho and +250 for Eastern Washington, further illustrating the expectations surrounding the matchup.
Conditions during the game were conducive to a high-scoring affair, with both teams showing their offensive capabilities. Idaho's ability to score efficiently, particularly in the second half, was crucial as they outscored Eastern Washington 45-40 in that period. The Vandals' performance was marked by several key plays, including free throws from Kolton Mitchell and Biko Johnson that ultimately sealed the victory.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination from both teams. Idaho's ability to execute under pressure, particularly in the closing moments, was a highlight. The Vandals' victory not only adds to their home record but also reinforces their position in the league, while Eastern Washington will need to regroup and address their defensive issues moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IDHO -6.5 | 158.5 o -108 / u -112 | Eastern Washington Eagles +250 · Idaho Vandals -310 |
Leaders
- PointsKolton Mitchell32Idaho Vandals
- AssistsKolton Mitchell2Idaho Vandals
- ReboundsBrody Rowbury8Idaho Vandals
- PointsKiree Huie16Eastern Washington Eagles
- AssistsIsaiah Moses6Eastern Washington Eagles
- ReboundsKiree Huie11Eastern Washington Eagles
Recent form
Idaho Vandals
Last 10: 6-4Streak L180.4 scored · 71.9 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L63-64at Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersDec 23
- W83-80at Cal Poly MustangsDec 22
- W109-55vs Evergreen State GeoducksDec 14
- L65-80at Notre Dame Fighting IrishDec 11
- W84-81at South Dakota State JackrabbitsDec 6
- W90-58vs North Dakota Fighting HawksDec 4
- L68-94vs Sam Houston BearkatsNov 29
- W78-64at Cal State Northridge MatadorsNov 27
- W97-68vs Eastern Oregon MountaineersNov 23
- L67-75at UC San Diego TritonsNov 15
Eastern Washington Eagles
Last 10: 2-8Streak L477.7 scored · 87.3 allowed per game0-6 away
- L81-109at BYU CougarsDec 23
- L77-101at Utah UtesDec 21
- L63-78vs Washington State CougarsDec 18
- L83-88vs California Baptist LancersDec 13
- W90-66vs Kansas City RoosDec 6
- L89-93at Denver PioneersDec 4
- L71-79at North Texas Mean GreenNov 26
- L65-92at Central Arkansas BearsNov 23
- W91-73vs Eastern Oregon MountaineersNov 18
- L67-94at Seattle U RedhawksNov 13
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland State | 20-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Montana State | 18-14 | 1 | 12-6 |
| Eastern Washington | 14-19 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Northern Colorado | 20-12 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Montana | 18-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Weber State | 16-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Idaho | 21-15 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Sacramento State | 10-21 | 8 | 6-12 |
| Idaho State | 13-20 | 8 | 5-13 |
| Northern Arizona | 10-22 | 9 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Eastern Washington Eagles | Idaho Vandals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-70 | 26-53 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 8-22 | 11-29 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 38 |
| Free throws | 17-25 | 21-29 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 72 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 26 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 18 | 20 |
| Assists | 12 | 6 |
| Steals | 4 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 22 |
| Fouls | 23 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 19 | 19 |
| Time in front | 29 | 57 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-51Kolton Mitchell makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half44-51Kiree Huie makes layup
- 2nd Half44-53Jackson Rasmussen makes 5-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half44-55Biko Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half47-55Isaiah Moses makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half47-57Isaiah Brickner makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half49-57Straton Rogers makes layup (Isaiah Moses assists)
- 2nd Half49-58Seth Joba makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-59Seth Joba makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-59Johnny Radford makes 25-foot three point jumper (Alton Hamilton IV assists)
- 2nd Half52-62Isaiah Brickner makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half55-62Tyler Powell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Moses assists)
- 2nd Half58-62Tyler Powell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Moses assists)
- 2nd Half58-63Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-63Johnny Radford makes layup
- 2nd Half63-63Jojo Anderson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Moses assists)
- 2nd Half63-64Biko Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-65Biko Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-65Johnny Radford makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half65-65Johnny Radford makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half66-65Johnny Radford makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half66-66Biko Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-66Alton Hamilton IV makes layup (Kiree Huie assists)
- 2nd Half68-69Trevon Blassingame makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kolton Mitchell assists)
- 2nd Half70-69Kiree Huie makes layup
- 2nd Half70-71Biko Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-71Emmett Marquardt makes 10-foot jumper (Jojo Anderson assists)
- 2nd Half73-71Tyler Powell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-72Biko Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-72Jojo Anderson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Johnny Radford assists)
- 2nd Half76-75Kolton Mitchell makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half76-77Kolton Mitchell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-77Tyler Powell makes 28-foot three point jumper (Alton Hamilton IV assists)
- 2nd Half79-80Biko Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half79-81Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-82Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-82Jojo Anderson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-82Jojo Anderson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-83Biko Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-84Biko Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Idaho Vandals, below favours Eastern Washington Eagles.
Venue
- ICCU ArenaMoscow, ID
- Attendance2083
- OfficialsRick Batsell, Grant Jeffres, Ben Cartmell
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