Idaho Vandals Defeat Montana Grizzlies in Big Sky Championship Game

7-seed Idaho pulls off upset over 4-seed Montana to earn NCAA Tournament bid

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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In an unlikely matchup, the 7-seeded Idaho Vandals defeated the 4-seeded Montana Grizzlies in the Big Sky Championship game played in Boise. Despite being the lower seed, Idaho was favored in the game and was able to avenge two regular season losses to Montana, ending the Grizzlies' nine-game winning streak in the head-to-head matchup.

Why it matters

This win secures an NCAA Tournament bid for Idaho, which was the 7-seed entering the conference tournament. The Vandals were able to overcome their regular season struggles against Montana and capitalize on playing close to home in Boise. For Montana, the loss ends their season and NCAA Tournament hopes despite being the higher seed.

The details

Idaho, which ranked higher than Montana in most statistical metrics despite the lower seeding, was able to take advantage on the glass and play its best basketball of the season. The Vandals have been on a 6-1 run against the spread heading into the championship game, while Montana has struggled as one of the worst rebounding teams in the country.

  • The Big Sky Championship game was played on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
  • Idaho and Montana split their two regular season meetings earlier in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Idaho Vandals

The 7-seed in the Big Sky Tournament, the Idaho Vandals were able to pull off the upset over the 4-seed Montana Grizzlies to earn an NCAA Tournament bid.

Montana Grizzlies

The 4-seed in the Big Sky Tournament, the Montana Grizzlies were unable to extend their nine-game winning streak over Idaho and had their season come to an end with the loss in the championship game.

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What they’re saying

“We've seen plenty of examples of teams that lose twice during the regular season get over the hump in the conference tournament, and I think this will be another one that falls into that category.”

— Julian Edlow, Analyst (draftkings.com)

What’s next

Idaho will now advance to the NCAA Tournament, while Montana's season has come to an end.

The takeaway

This game showcases the unpredictability of conference tournament play, as the lower-seeded Idaho Vandals were able to defeat the higher-seeded Montana Grizzlies despite losing to them twice in the regular season. It highlights the importance of peaking at the right time and the home-court advantage that can come with playing close to home in the postseason.