Idaho Vandals Edge Cal Poly Mustangs in Overtime Thriller
Sunday, December 21, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Mott Athletics Center
Idaho Vandals 83, Cal Poly Mustangs 80, 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 Idaho Vandals vs Cal Poly Mustangs?
Idaho Vandals beat Cal Poly Mustangs 83-80 at Mott Athletics Center on December 21, 2025.
Who was favored in Idaho Vandals vs Cal Poly Mustangs?
Idaho Vandals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Idaho Vandals triumphed over the Cal Poly Mustangs with a final score of 83-80 after overtime. This game, held at the Mott Athletics Center, showcased the resilience of both teams, but ultimately, the Vandals secured the victory, extending their winning streak to one game while the Mustangs faced their fourth consecutive loss.
The Mustangs entered the game with a home record of 5-9 and had struggled recently, holding a record of 3-7 in their last ten games. Their average points scored during this stretch was 84.0, but they also allowed an average of 89.6 points, highlighting defensive issues that have plagued them throughout the season. In their last five games, the Mustangs recorded a 2-3 record, scoring an average of 86.4 points while allowing 90.2, which reflects their ongoing challenges on both ends of the court.
On the other hand, the Vandals boasted a stronger away record of 8-4 and had a recent record of 6-4 in their last ten games, with an average of 82.6 points scored and only 70.2 points allowed. Their performance has been more balanced, and they came into this game with confidence, having won their last outing against the Evergreen State Geoducks by a significant margin of 109-55.
In terms of home and away performance, Cal Poly had a home record of 1-3 in their last four games, while Idaho had a 4-1 record in their last five home games. This disparity in performance added an intriguing layer to the matchup, as the Vandals aimed to capitalize on their away success against a struggling Mustang squad.
The game itself was marked by a series of scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In overtime, Cayden Ward made a pivotal 26-foot three-point jumper, giving Idaho a 78-75 lead. However, the Mustangs responded quickly, with Biko Johnson hitting a 13-foot jumper to narrow the gap. The back-and-forth continued as Kolton Mitchell sank a crucial 26-foot three-pointer, followed by free throws that ultimately sealed the game for the Vandals.
In terms of the betting market, DraftKings had Idaho favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 167.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, and the close final score certainly lived up to that expectation. Idaho's money line was set at -135, while Cal Poly's was at +114, indicating a slight edge for the Vandals.
The conditions for the game were conducive to an exciting basketball atmosphere, with both teams eager to prove themselves. The Mustangs, despite their recent struggles, were looking to turn their fortunes around on their home court, while the Vandals aimed to maintain their momentum.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of skill, determination, and strategic play. The performance of key players like Cayden Ward and Kolton Mitchell proved crucial in the overtime period, illustrating the high stakes and competitive nature of college basketball. The final moments of the game were filled with tension, as each possession could have swung the outcome in favor of either team.
In conclusion, the Idaho Vandals' narrow victory over the Cal Poly Mustangs in overtime not only highlights the competitive spirit of college basketball but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport. With both teams facing different trajectories, this game will be a pivotal point for their respective seasons moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IDHO -1.5 | 167.5 o -110 / u -110 | Idaho Vandals -135 · Cal Poly Mustangs +114 |
Leaders
- PointsHamad Mousa33Cal Poly Mustangs
- AssistsPeter Bandelj2Cal Poly Mustangs
- ReboundsHamad Mousa10Cal Poly Mustangs
- PointsKolton Mitchell31Idaho Vandals
- AssistsBiko Johnson5Idaho Vandals
- ReboundsBiko Johnson8Idaho Vandals
Recent form
Cal Poly Mustangs
Last 10: 3-7Streak L384 scored · 89.6 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L87-108at UCLA BruinsDec 20
- L80-83vs Montana State BobcatsDec 17
- L84-88vs UC Riverside HighlandersDec 7
- W94-91at Cal State Fullerton TitansDec 5
- W87-81vs Redlands BulldogsNov 30
- L68-84vs Southeast Missouri State RedhawksNov 26
- L87-93at Northern Arizona LumberjacksNov 25
- W92-85at Utah UtesNov 21
- L82-90at Montana GrizzliesNov 15
- L79-93at Colorado State RamsNov 13
Idaho Vandals
Last 10: 6-4Streak W182.6 scored · 70.2 allowed per game2-3 away
- 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
- L74-78at San Diego TorerosNov 13
- W94-49vs Whitman BluesNov 8
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 |
| UC Irvine | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Hawai'i | 24-9 | 1 | 14-6 |
| UC San Diego | 23-11 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Northridge | 20-14 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Fullerton | 18-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| UC Davis | 19-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 18-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Cal Poly | 14-19 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Long Beach State | 10-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| UC Riverside | 10-22 | 10 | 5-15 |
| Cal State Bakersfield | 8-24 | 13 | 2-18 |
Box score
| Stat | Idaho Vandals | Cal Poly Mustangs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-66 | 21-61 |
| Field goal % | 36 | 34 |
| Three-pointers | 14-34 | 7-37 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 19 |
| Free throws | 21-28 | 31-39 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 34 | 35 |
| Assists | 15 | 6 |
| Steals | 8 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 26 |
| Fouls | 29 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 19 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 87 | 5 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half62-46Trevon Blassingame makes 22-foot three point jumper (Biko Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half64-46Brody Rowbury makes 4-foot jumper (Trevon Blassingame assists)
- 2nd Half64-49Cayden Ward makes 29-foot three point jumper (Jake Davis assists)
- 2nd Half67-49Biko Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Brody Rowbury assists)
- 2nd Half67-50Jake Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-52Troy Plumtree makes layup
- 2nd Half67-54Peter Bandelj makes layup
- 2nd Half67-55Cayden Ward makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-56Cayden Ward makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-57Hamad Mousa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-58Hamad Mousa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-59Hamad Mousa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-60Hamad Mousa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-62Hamad Mousa makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-63Hamad Mousa makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-63Biko Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-63Biko Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-64Hamad Mousa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-65Hamad Mousa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-65Biko Johnson makes layup (Miles Klapper assists)
- 2nd Half71-67Cayden Ward makes layup
- 2nd Half71-68Cayden Ward makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half71-70Hamad Mousa makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half73-70Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-70Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-71Hamad Mousa makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half73-72Hamad Mousa makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half73-73Hamad Mousa makes free throw 3 of 3
- OT73-74Peter Bandelj makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT73-75Peter Bandelj makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT74-75Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 3
- OT75-75Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 3
- OT75-78Cayden Ward makes 26-foot three point jumper (Peter Bandelj assists)
- OT77-78Biko Johnson makes 13-foot jumper
- OT80-78Kolton Mitchell makes 26-foot three point jumper
- OT81-78Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 1
- OT81-79Cayden Ward makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT81-80Cayden Ward makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT82-80Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT83-80Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cal Poly Mustangs, below favours Idaho Vandals.
Venue
- Mott Athletics CenterSan Luis Obispo, CA
- Attendance2157
- OfficialsFrank Harvey, Mark Fulton, Michael Mojica
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond