With the tough non-conference schedule almost a distant memory, the rivalry game double-header between Moscow and Cheney is upon us.
Idaho (8-5; 3-1) hosts Eastern Washington (2-11; 1-3) to open Thursday’s action in Cowan Spectrum.
Women’s and Men’s Basketball will both host the Eagles on Thursday. The women tip-off at 5:30 p.m.
The Vandals are traveling back from Bozeman, coming away with a double- overtime win over Montana State, who were undefeated in the conference.
“We need to defend our home floor you know, it’s huge in this league to be able to win at home and go out on the road and get a big one like we did is great,” Idaho Head Coach Jon Newlee said. “But it all means nothing if we can’t come home and defend our home floor. So, we really got to get up for Eastern Washington.”
Here is what you need to know going into Thursday.
Who are the Eagles in 2020?
It has been a tough season thus far for Eastern, currently on a three- game losing streak in the Big Sky following the opening win against Weber State.
Playing away from Cheney for the Eagles has been a challenge. They’ve lost all seven road games this season, where the Vandals are undefeated in Cowan Spectrum and Memorial Gym.
But records are meaningless in games like this.
“We know how it’s going to be tough. You can throw the records out. I think when we play Eastern it’s going to be a tough battle, and our players got to come ready to play,” Newlee said.
Statistically, sophomore guard Grace Kirscher is the best offensive weapon for the Eagles, averaging 15 points in Big Sky play.
Youth would be the best way to describe this team, having just three upperclassmen on the 14 member roster, like the only five upperclassmen of Idaho.
Vandals’ recent control:
Despite trailing in the overall series 42-35, Idaho has won the last three meetings, including a buzzer- beater game-winner in Cheney from Mikayla Ferenz.
“(Eastern Washington is) going to want revenge. But I think our focus has been great,” sophomore point guard Gina Marxen said. “Eastern being our rival, and we know they’re a good team, and we just want to get the win for the home crowd.”
No matter the records for the teams going in, there is usually a different energy surrounding this game.
200 wins:
Newlee is chasing a historic milestone and has a chance to claim his 200th career home win on Thursday.
After breaking the record in 2017, Newlee continues to build his impressive resume but wants to give the credit to the coaching staff and players through the years.
“I love our team this year and I’m glad they could be a part of that. But I’ve had great players through the years that have all put the bricks in place,” Newlee said. “I’d like to thank them and thank all the coaches that have worked for me, and it’s been a great ride here.”
Idaho hosts Eastern Washington at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Cowan Spectrum.
Zack Kellogg can be reached at arg-sports.uidaho.edu or on Twitter @kellogg_zack.