The Idaho men’s basketball team (17-11) hosts Eastern Washington (16-11) at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Memorial Gym in a pivotal Big Sky meeting.
Josh Grissom | Sports Editor
Prediction: Idaho 69 – Eastern Washington 78
The Vandals enter Saturday’s matchup in desperate need of a win to remain in the hunt for a first round bye in the conference tournament next month. Unfortunately, Idaho is facing an Eastern Washington program that has won seven of its last eight games, which includes four consecutive games with 90 or more points. While the Vandals have been consistent on defense lately, the team will have trouble stopping the offensive attack of the Eagles. Although a rowdy home crowd might help the team garner initial momentum, the Vandal will ultimately succumb to the high-scoring pressure of Eastern Washington.
Luis Torres | Vandal Nation Manager
Prediction: Idaho 68 — Eastern Washington 71
 The Vandals are entering the home stretch of the season, and one of the team’s toughest opponents visits Moscow Saturday. Idaho must maintain a strong defensive presence to beat the Eagles and stay in contention for a first round bye in the Big Sky Conference tournament. The game will be close, but Eastern Washington will challenge Idaho on the defensive side of the court.
Tess Fox | Photo Editor
Prediction: Idaho 82 — Eastern Washington 85
Idaho’s recent trend of close games will continue into the weekend during their matchup against Eastern Washington. Idaho sits fifth in the Big Sky Conference standings. The return of both junior guard Perrion Callendret and sophomore guard Victor Sanders will prove beneficial for the Vandals. However, Idaho will not be able to pull out a win on their home court against No. 3 Eastern Washington.
Brandon Hill | Sports Writer
Prediction: Idaho 77 — Eastern Washington 73
The Vandals face a difficult matchup this Saturday when Eastern Washington comes to town. Before a surprising loss to Portland State, the Eagles were riding a seven game win streak. Meanwhile, the Vandals are fifth in the Big Sky standings and are looking for a statement win against their conference rivals. With the season drawing to a close and the team seeking a first round bye in the postseason tournament, Idaho will deliver a win.
Mihaela Karst | Sports Writer
Prediction: Idaho 78 — Eastern Washington 62
Despite an earlier loss to Eastern Washington, the change of game location from the Cowan Spectrum to the Memorial Gym will benefit the Vandals. The older facilities serve as a smaller venue, and the intense atmosphere will be just what the Vandals need to garner momentum in the game. The full return of junior guard Perrion Callandret and sophomore guard Vic Sanders will be the push Idaho needs to get back on a winning streak.