Idaho Vandals Prepare for South Dakota State Clash in Big Sky-Summit League Challenge
Idaho (5-3, 0-0) looks to continue its strong start to the season as it travels to Brookings, South Dakota, to face South dakota State (5-4, 0-0) on Saturday. The matchup is part of the annual big Sky-Summit League Challenge, a competition that pits teams from the two conferences against each other.
Following a dominant 32-point victory over North Dakota – Idaho’s largest margin of victory over a Division I opponent in four years – the Vandals are embarking on a two-game Midwest road trip. Idaho last faced SDSU in 2021, securing a 98-84 win at ICCU Arena, but has lost on its last three visits to Brookings. The overall series record between the two programs stands at an even 5-5.
The Big Sky Conference currently holds a slight edge in the Challenge, having won 12 of the 22 games played on Wednesday. The Challenge, played annually for a combined trophy, awards the hardware to the league that wins the most games between its men’s and women’s basketball programs. The Summit League has claimed the trophy in the first two years of the competition.
South Dakota State enters Saturday’s contest with a 5-4 record, having recently defeated Northern Arizona 75-62.The Jackrabbits were predicted to finish third in the Summit League this season and boast a perfect 3-0 record at home in November. Head coach Bryan Petersen, in his first season leading the program, returns three of five starters from last year’s squad. Petersen previously spent six years as an assistant coach at SDSU, contributing to two NCAA Tournament appearances and four Summit League regular season titles.
Leading the Jackrabbits is preseason All-Summit League First Team selection Kalen Garry, who has started all nine games this season. garry is averaging over five
- 120: The 2023-24 season will be the 120th in program history, with the Vandals having secured five conference titles, four NCAA Tournament appearances, and five All-American honors in the previous 119 seasons.
- 100: The program is honoring the legacy of legendary coach Don Monson throughout the season, commemorating his 100 wins and Sweet Sixteen appearance from his tenure (1978-1983).
- 5: The number of Idaho natives currently on the roster, representing a significant commitment to local talent.
- 54: Idaho’s streak of games with at least five made three-pointers.
- 166: Idaho’s current NET ranking, a program best.
- 4: Idaho’s preseason ranking in the Big Sky Polls, the highest since 2017.
- 14: The number of regular season wins Head Coach Alex pribble led Idaho to last year, the most as the 2017-18 season.
- 11.4: Idaho is averaging 11.4 made three-pointers per game, ranking 11th nationally.
- 17: Idaho’s ranking in all of Division I basketball in limiting opponents’ offensive rebounding percentage (23.8%).
Up Next
Following the game against South Dakota State, Idaho will travel to South Bend, Indiana, to face Notre Dame of the ACC on Wednesday, December 10. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM PT, with coverage available on ACC Network Extra and the Vandal Radio Network.
Season tickets are currently on sale.For more facts, contact the Vandal ticket office at (208) 885-6466 or visit govandals.com/tickets. Stay updated on Vandal Hoops by following the team on Instagram (vandalhoops), X (VandalHoops), and by visiting govandals.com.
Worth a look
