The most anticipated nonconference matchup of the season for Idaho ended in thrilling fashion Thursday as the Vandals claimed a 78-74 victory over Palouse-rival Washington State. Thursday’s game was the 271st meeting between the two programs.
The Vandals’ victory added yet another aspect to the historic rivalry between the two teams and gave Idaho a two-game winning streak over the Cougars.
“This win was a really big one for us because I had a tired basketball team and I thought my guys really stepped up and played as hard as they possibly could,” Verlin said.
The Idaho victory gives the Vandals bragging rights in the longest-running rivalry west of the Mississippi.