Idaho Beats Montana to Win Big Sky Title, Earn 1st NCAA Berth Since 1990

Seventh-seeded Idaho pulls off upset over No. 4 seed Montana in conference tournament final

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Isaiah Brickner had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Brody Rowbury scored 12 points to help seventh-seeded Idaho defeat No. 4 seed Montana 77-66 in the Big Sky Conference Tournament championship game. The victory clinches Idaho's first NCAA Tournament berth since 1990.

Why it matters

Idaho's win over Montana marks the Vandals' first Big Sky Conference title and NCAA Tournament appearance in nearly 40 years, a significant accomplishment for the program and its fans. The Vandals were the lower seed but pulled off the upset, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of conference tournament basketball.

The details

Idaho, the seventh seed in the Big Sky Tournament, defeated fourth-seeded Montana 77-66 in the championship game. Isaiah Brickner led the Vandals with 23 points and 10 rebounds, recording his first double-double of the season. Brody Rowbury added 12 points for Idaho, which earned its first NCAA Tournament berth since 1990 with the victory.

  • The Big Sky Conference Tournament championship game was played on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
  • Idaho's last NCAA Tournament appearance was in 1990.

The players

Isaiah Brickner

A key player for Idaho, Brickner had 23 points and 10 rebounds in the Big Sky Tournament final.

Brody Rowbury

Scored 12 points to help lead Idaho to the Big Sky Conference Tournament championship.

Idaho

The seventh-seeded Vandals defeated No. 4 seed Montana to win the Big Sky Conference Tournament and clinch their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1990.

Montana

The fourth-seeded Grizzlies were upset by Idaho in the Big Sky Conference Tournament final.

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What’s next

Idaho will now await its seeding and matchup for the 2026 NCAA Tournament, which will be announced on Selection Sunday.

The takeaway

Idaho's victory over Montana in the Big Sky Conference Tournament final is a major accomplishment for the Vandals, who are returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in nearly 40 years. The upset win showcases the unpredictability and excitement of conference tournament basketball.