Josh Grissom | Sports Editor
Prediction: Idaho 71 — Portland State 69
After a grueling week on the road in Montana, the Idaho men’s basketball team returns to the Cowan Spectrum for a pair of pivotal Big Sky matchups. Multiple injuries have impacted the Idaho offense in recent weeks, but the Vandals will be facing a Portland State team that has struggled defensively in conference play. Although the Vikings are on the cusp of developing a successful program, the Idaho defense will be able to maintain Portland State in an unexpectedly close matchup.
Luis Torres | Vandal Nation Manager
Prediction: Idaho 64 — Portland State 72
Perrion Callandret and Victor Sanders, the two leading scorers for Idaho, are currently dealing with lingering injuries. After Saturday’s loss to Montana State, the likelihood of the Vandals winning against Portland State is slim. It’s unknown how the relatively young Idaho team will play without either guard. The loss of either player could affect the way Idaho plays, and Idaho head coach Don Verlin will have to place a lot of trust on backup players.
Tess Fox | Photo Editor
Prediction: Idaho 74 — Portland State 55
If Idaho was playing a top-ranked program in the Big Sky Conference this week, the team would have difficulty pulling out a win without Perrion Callandret and Victor Sanders. The bench players have stepped up the absence of Idaho’s two leading scorers, as junior forward Ty Egbert scored 18 points against Montana State Saturday. Despite the loss of the two Vandal guards, the Portland State defense will not be able to contain the Idaho bench.
Mihaela Karst | Sports Writer
Prediction: Idaho 72 — Portland State 81
The loss of both Victor Sanders and Perrion Callandret will prove too much for the Vandals to overcome as they go against a tough Portland State program. While the Vandal defense will certainly carry the team throughout the first half, I think that Idaho will struggle with the Portland State offense and lose momentum as the game comes to an end.