Idaho Vandals Edge Montana State Bobcats in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · ICCU Arena
Idaho Vandals 92, Montana State Bobcats 89, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Montana State Bobcats vs Idaho Vandals?
Idaho Vandals beat Montana State Bobcats 92-89 at ICCU Arena on January 10, 2026.
Who was favored in Montana State Bobcats vs Idaho Vandals?
Idaho Vandals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Idaho Vandals triumphed over the Montana State Bobcats with a final score of 92-89. This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Idaho improving their home record to 11-6 and Montana State falling to 9-9. The contest took place at the ICCU Arena, where the Vandals aimed to capitalize on their home advantage.
Idaho entered the game with a recent record of 6-4 over their last ten games, although they were on a one-game losing streak after falling to the Montana Grizzlies just a day prior. They averaged 79.7 points scored while allowing 73.6 points during this stretch. Their home record stood at 3-2 in this recent stretch, demonstrating a solid performance at home despite their latest setback.
On the other hand, Montana State was riding a five-game winning streak, boasting a record of 7-3 in their last ten games. They averaged 77.6 points scored and allowed 71.0 points during this period. Their away record was 3-3, indicating that they had managed to hold their own on the road, but they faced a tough challenge against Idaho.
The two teams had met twice in the previous season, splitting their encounters with Idaho winning the first matchup 69-64 at home and Montana State claiming victory in the second meeting with a score of 75-60. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams sought to establish dominance in their rivalry.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were expected to field their best available players, which contributed to the high stakes of the matchup. The market had Idaho favored by 1.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 144.5. This indicated a closely matched game, reflecting the competitive nature of both teams.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting basketball atmosphere, with both teams displaying their skills and determination on the court. Fans were treated to a thrilling finish, with the score fluctuating throughout the second half as both teams traded baskets. Key moments included Patrick McMahon making a free throw to bring the score to 86-85 in favor of Idaho, followed by Kolton Mitchell's jumper to extend the lead to 88-85.
As the game neared its conclusion, the tension escalated. Jed Miller made crucial free throws that kept Idaho ahead, and Biko Johnson's layup sealed the deal for the Vandals, pushing the score to 92-89. This victory not only marked an important win for Idaho but also showcased their resilience in a high-pressure situation.
Overall, the matchup between the Idaho Vandals and Montana State Bobcats was a testament to the competitive spirit of NCAAB basketball, with both teams giving their all in a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IDHO -1.5 | 144.5 o -115 / u -105 | Montana State Bobcats +105 · Idaho Vandals -125 |
Leaders
- PointsKolton Mitchell23Idaho Vandals
- AssistsKolton Mitchell4Idaho Vandals
- ReboundsJackson Rasmussen8Idaho Vandals
- PointsJed Miller20Montana State Bobcats
- AssistsJed Miller4Montana State Bobcats
- ReboundsJed Miller6Montana State Bobcats
Recent form
Idaho Vandals
Last 10: 6-4Streak L179.7 scored · 73.6 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L73-79vs Montana GrizzliesJan 9
- W84-81vs Eastern Washington EaglesJan 3
- 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
Montana State Bobcats
Last 10: 7-3Streak W577.6 scored · 71 allowed per game3-3 away
- W68-64at Eastern Washington EaglesJan 9
- W77-68vs Northern Arizona LumberjacksJan 4
- W89-75vs Northern Colorado BearsJan 2
- W93-54vs Northwest University EaglesDec 22
- W83-80at Cal Poly MustangsDec 17
- L57-67at Oregon State BeaversDec 13
- L68-72at Oral Roberts Golden EaglesDec 7
- W82-74vs St. Thomas TommiesDec 4
- L81-84at Utah State AggiesNov 29
- W78-72at Long Beach State BeachNov 22
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 | Montana State Bobcats | Idaho Vandals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-55 | 34-68 |
| Field goal % | 58 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 8-14 | 13-29 |
| Three-point % | 57 | 45 |
| Free throws | 17-21 | 11-14 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 17 |
| Assists | 12 | 10 |
| Steals | 4 | 6 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 5 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 38 |
| Fouls | 16 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 21 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 90 | 4 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half61-53Biko Johnson makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-56Kolton Mitchell makes 27-foot three point jumper (Biko Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half63-56Patrick McMahon makes layup
- 2nd Half64-56Patrick McMahon makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half64-58Isaiah Brickner makes layup
- 2nd Half64-60Kolton Mitchell makes layup
- 2nd Half64-61Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half65-61Jed Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-61Jed Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-64Seth Joba makes 24-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Brickner assists)
- 2nd Half67-64Patrick McMahon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-64Patrick McMahon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-66Isaiah Brickner makes layup
- 2nd Half71-66Christian King makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jed Miller assists)
- 2nd Half71-69Biko Johnson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kolton Mitchell assists)
- 2nd Half71-71Isaiah Brickner makes layup
- 2nd Half73-71Patrick McMahon makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half74-71Patrick McMahon makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half74-74Brody Rowbury makes 26-foot three point jumper (Biko Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half74-75Isaiah Brickner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-75Chris Hodges makes layup (Jeremiah Davis assists)
- 2nd Half79-75Jeremiah Davis makes 25-foot three point jumper (Chris Hodges assists)
- 2nd Half81-75Jed Miller makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half81-76Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-77Kolton Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-79Brody Rowbury makes layup
- 2nd Half81-80Brody Rowbury makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half82-80Chris Hodges makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-80Chris Hodges makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-83Biko Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half84-83Davian Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-86Kolton Mitchell makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half85-86Patrick McMahon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half85-88Kolton Mitchell makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half87-88Jed Miller makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half87-89Isaiah Brickner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-90Isaiah Brickner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-90Jed Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half89-90Jed Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half89-92Biko Johnson makes layup (Jack Payne assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Idaho Vandals, below favours Montana State Bobcats.
Venue
- ICCU ArenaMoscow, ID
- Attendance1878
- OfficialsTrent Lovewell, Kirk Smith, Ray Ames
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- 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