Idaho Vandals Edge Montana State Bobcats 78-74
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 10:20 PM ET · Idaho Central Arena
Idaho Vandals 78, Montana State Bobcats 74, 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 Montana State Bobcats?
Idaho Vandals beat Montana State Bobcats 78-74 at Idaho Central Arena on March 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Idaho Vandals vs Montana State Bobcats?
Idaho Vandals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -118 (about 54% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Idaho Vandals emerged victorious over the Montana State Bobcats with a final score of 78-74 at Idaho Central Arena. This game was significant not only for the win but also because it showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, each vying for a strong finish in the NCAAB season. The Vandals improved their record to 19-14, while the Bobcats fell to 18-14.
Both teams entered the game with a mixed bag of recent performances. The Bobcats had a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, with a current streak of three wins prior to this match. They averaged 75.7 points scored and allowed 72.3 points during this stretch. Their last five games saw them scoring an average of 79.4 points while allowing 73.6 points. At home, the Bobcats had a record of 3-1 in their last four games, demonstrating a solid home court advantage. Conversely, the Vandals also held a 5-5 record in their last ten games but were on a two-game winning streak entering the contest. They averaged 75.6 points scored and 71.5 points allowed in this timeframe, with their last five games yielding an impressive average of 76.8 points scored against 68.0 points allowed. Their away record was 2-3, indicating some struggles on the road.
The teams had met four times in the previous two seasons, with the series tied at 2-2. In their most recent encounter on February 6, 2026, the Bobcats had claimed victory with a score of 73-66. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, as both teams sought to gain the upper hand in the rivalry.
In terms of injuries, there were no specific details provided in the block that indicated any players were sidelined for this game, allowing both teams to field their full rosters. This aspect of the game was crucial, as both teams relied on their key players to perform at their best.
The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Idaho was favored by 1.5 points with a total set at 143.5. The odds for the over were listed at -112.0, while the under was at -108.0. The moneyline odds showed Montana State at -102.0 and Idaho at -118.0, reflecting a competitive matchup that drew interest from bettors.
Conditions during the game were optimal for basketball, with no adverse weather conditions affecting play, given that it was held indoors. Fans in attendance witnessed a thrilling game that featured several lead changes and a tightly contested second half.
As the game progressed, key moments defined the outcome. In the second half, Jeremiah Davis made a driving layup that brought the Vandals to a 73-68 lead. Following that, Biko Johnson contributed with crucial free throws, extending Idaho's lead to 76-68. However, the Bobcats fought back, with Davis hitting a three-pointer that narrowed the gap to 76-71. Despite their efforts, the Bobcats could not reclaim the lead, and the Vandals maintained their composure to secure the victory.
The final score of 78-74 highlighted the competitive nature of the game, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. The Vandals' ability to execute in clutch moments ultimately made the difference, allowing them to secure a vital win as they head into the closing stretch of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IDHO -1.5 | 143.5 o -112 / u -108 | Idaho Vandals -118 · Montana State Bobcats -102 |
Leaders
- PointsJeremiah Davis22Montana State Bobcats
- AssistsJaden Steppe4Montana State Bobcats
- ReboundsJeremiah Davis6Montana State Bobcats
- PointsBiko Johnson19Idaho Vandals
- AssistsBiko Johnson4Idaho Vandals
- ReboundsIsaiah Brickner7Idaho Vandals
Recent form
Montana State Bobcats
Last 10: 5-5Streak W375.7 scored · 72.3 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W76-65at Northern Arizona LumberjacksMar 3
- W82-61vs Sacramento State HornetsFeb 28
- W84-69vs Portland State VikingsFeb 27
- L76-91at Idaho State BengalsFeb 21
- L79-82at Weber State WildcatsFeb 20
- W82-71at Montana GrizzliesFeb 15
- L71-72vs Eastern Washington EaglesFeb 8
- W73-66vs Idaho VandalsFeb 6
- L54-63at Portland State VikingsJan 31
- L80-83at Sacramento State HornetsJan 30
Idaho Vandals
Last 10: 5-5Streak W275.6 scored · 71.5 allowed per game2-3 away
- W68-45vs Sacramento State HornetsMar 8
- W85-81at Eastern Washington EaglesMar 3
- L67-76vs Northern Colorado BearsFeb 28
- W78-58vs Northern Arizona LumberjacksFeb 27
- W86-80at Sacramento State HornetsFeb 22
- L67-77at Portland State VikingsFeb 20
- W99-69vs Idaho State BengalsFeb 14
- L72-83vs Weber State WildcatsFeb 13
- L68-73at Montana GrizzliesFeb 7
- L66-73at Montana State BobcatsFeb 6
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 | Idaho Vandals | Montana State Bobcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-55 | 29-65 |
| Field goal % | 56 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 4-16 | 11-24 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 46 |
| Free throws | 12-18 | 5-9 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 56 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 23 |
| Assists | 9 | 12 |
| Steals | 1 | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 6 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 54 | 26 |
| Fouls | 9 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 34 | 54 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half36-39Jed Miller makes free throw 1 of 3
- 1st Half36-40Jed Miller makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half36-43Jeremiah Davis makes 25-foot three point jumper (Patrick McMahon assists)
- 2nd Half38-43Isaiah Brickner makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-43Isaiah Brickner makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-46Patrick McMahon makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jeremiah Davis assists)
- 2nd Half42-46Isaiah Brickner makes layup (Kolton Mitchell assists)
- 2nd Half44-46Miles Klapper makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-48Jed Miller makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half46-48Jackson Rasmussen makes layup
- 2nd Half49-48Trevon Blassingame makes 25-foot three point jumper (Biko Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half49-51Jed Miller makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaden Steppe assists)
- 2nd Half49-53Christian King makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-55Jaden Steppe makes layup (Howie Keene assists)
- 2nd Half51-55Miles Klapper makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half53-55Miles Klapper makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-55Isaiah Brickner makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-57Christian King makes layup (Howie Keene assists)
- 2nd Half57-57Brody Rowbury makes layup
- 2nd Half57-59Jeremiah Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-59Jackson Rasmussen makes layup (Brody Rowbury assists)
- 2nd Half61-59Biko Johnson makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half61-61Christian King makes 12-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half63-61Isaiah Brickner makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-61Jackson Rasmussen makes layup (Isaiah Brickner assists)
- 2nd Half67-61Isaiah Brickner makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-64Jed Miller makes 24-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half68-64Isaiah Brickner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-66Patrick McMahon makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-66Biko Johnson makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half72-66Isaiah Brickner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-66Isaiah Brickner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-68Jeremiah Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-68Biko Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-68Biko Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-68Biko Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-71Jeremiah Davis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jed Miller assists)
- 2nd Half77-71Miles Klapper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-71Miles Klapper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-74Christian King makes 24-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Montana State Bobcats, below favours Idaho Vandals.
Venue
- Idaho Central ArenaBoise, ID
- OfficialsRick Crawford, Chris Hudson, Justin Shamion
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