If you’ve ever stood in the ICCU Arena in Moscow or felt the floor shake at Dahlberg Arena in Missoula, you know this isn't just a game. It's a regional obsession. When Idaho vs Montana basketball pops up on the schedule, logic usually goes out the window. People in the Pacific Northwest and the Big Sky country don't just "attend" these games; they live them.
Honestly, the history between the Idaho Vandals and the Montana Grizzlies is a messy, beautiful record of heartbreaks and heaves. Montana has dominated lately—let's just be real about that—but the recent 2026 meeting proved that the gap is closing in ways that should make every Griz fan just a little bit nervous.
The January 8 Heartbreaker in Moscow
On January 8, 2026, the Grizzlies rolled into Moscow and escaped with a 79-73 victory. It sounds like a standard six-point win on paper, right? Wrong. It was a absolute dogfight. The Vandals were coming off a season where they've shown more life than we’ve seen in years, boasting their highest NET ranking (137th) since the system started.
Money Williams for Montana was, well, money. He’s been an absolute problem for the Big Sky all year. But Idaho didn't just roll over. They shot nearly 38% from deep and kept the pressure on until the final two minutes. If you’re a Vandal fan, you’ve gotta be tired of "moral victories," but seeing them hold their own against a Montana team that’s sitting near the top of the conference standings (7-1 in Big Sky play as of mid-January) is a massive step.
Why the Griz Keep Finding a Way
Montana’s secret sauce under Travis DeCuire hasn't really been a secret: it’s defense and efficiency. In that January win, the Griz showed why they lead the league in field goal percentage (hovering around 49%). They don't take bad shots. They move the ball, find the open man, and usually, that man is someone like Williams or Malik Moore.
- Efficiency: Montana’s 49.1% team shooting is a nightmare to guard.
- Experience: They return a core that knows how to win on the road.
- The "Griz" Factor: There is a certain psychological edge Montana carries into these rivalry games.
The Vandal Resurrection is Real
It’s been a rough decade for Idaho basketball. There’s no point in sugarcoating it. But the 2025-26 season feels different. They returned over 60% of their minutes from the previous year, and that continuity is finally paying off. Just two days after losing to Montana, they turned around and stunned Montana State 92-89 in a cinematic comeback.
That win over the Bobcats proved the Vandals can close out elite teams. They are currently leading the Big Sky in three-pointers made, averaging over 10 per game. If you're going to play Idaho vs Montana basketball in 2026, you better be ready to defend the perimeter, or the Vandals will bury you in a flurry of long-range shots.
Notable Players Shaking Up the Rivalry
You can't talk about these teams without mentioning the individual talent. Money Williams is the engine for Montana, but keep an eye on guys like Brandon Walker for the Bobcats (when they cross paths) and the scrappy guard play at Idaho.
The Vandals have found a rhythm with a roster that doesn't rely on one "superstar" but rather a balanced attack. When they hit 11 threes in a game, they are almost impossible to beat at home. The atmosphere in Moscow has shifted from "let's hope we stay close" to "we expect to win."
Behind the Numbers: A Tale of Two Programs
Montana has won 9 of the last 10 matchups. That’s a stat that stings if you’re wearing silver and gold. In fact, before some recent shifts, the Grizzlies had a 22-game winning streak against Idaho State and a similarly lopsided record against the Vandals.
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But look at the margins. The games aren't the blowouts they used to be. In 2025, Montana won by 2 and 5 points. These are "one-possession" games late in the second half. The Griz are still the kings of the mountain, but the mountain is getting a lot steeper.
Defensive Grinds vs. High-Octane Offense
Montana currently ranks first in the Big Sky in scoring margin (+11.5), which tells you they aren't just winning; they’re controlling games. Idaho, meanwhile, is finding its identity as a high-volume shooting team.
- Montana’s field goal defense is holding opponents to around 39% in conference play.
- Idaho is countering that by simply taking more shots—specifically from behind the arc.
- The rebounding battle has been the deciding factor; when Montana out-rebounds Idaho, they win 90% of the time.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
A lot of casual observers think the "real" rivalry is just Montana vs. Montana State or Idaho vs. Idaho State (the Battle for King Spud). While those are huge, the cross-state friction between the U of M and UI is arguably more intense because of the shared recruiting trail.
Both schools hunt for the same "diamond in the rough" players in Washington, Oregon, and the rural pockets of the Northwest. When a kid from Spokane chooses Moscow over Missoula, it adds a layer of pettiness to the next game that you just don't see in non-rivalry matchups.
The ICCU Arena Advantage
If you haven't seen a game at the ICCU Arena, you're missing out. It’s a wood-structured masterpiece that keeps the sound in. For years, Idaho played in the Kibbie Dome, which—bless its heart—felt like playing basketball in a giant airplane hangar. The new arena is intimate, loud, and has genuinely changed the home-court advantage for Idaho. Montana players have openly mentioned how the atmosphere there has become one of the toughest in the Big Sky.
How to Watch and What to Expect Next
If you're looking to catch the next installment of Idaho vs Montana basketball, you'll likely find it on ESPN+. But if you can get to the arena, do it. The tension is palpable.
Moving forward into the 2026 season, keep an eye on the turnover battle. Montana is incredibly disciplined, rarely coughing up the ball. Idaho is more "high risk, high reward." If the Vandals can trim their turnovers to under 10 a game, they are a legitimate threat to upend the Grizzlies in the Big Sky Tournament in Boise.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Watch the Rebound Margin: In this specific matchup, the team that wins the boards has won 8 of the last 10 games. If Montana's bigs are dominant early, it’s a long night for Idaho.
- The "Three-Point" Rule: If Idaho makes more than 12 threes, they almost always cover the spread, even if they don't win outright.
- Live Betting Momentum: Montana tends to start slow on the road. If Idaho jumps out to a 7-10 point lead in the first ten minutes, the "live" line on Montana often provides great value as they typically adjust at halftime.
- Check the Injury Report: Both teams have dealt with nagging backcourt injuries in January 2026. A missing starting point guard in this rivalry is usually worth a 4-to-6 point swing in the final score.
Stay tuned for the rematch later this season—it's shaping up to be a classic.