Preview: Montana Lady Griz at Idaho Vandals

CALDWELL, Idaho (Interstat) — A surging Idaho squad looks to continue its push atop the Big Sky Conference standings when it hosts a struggling Montana team on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

The Vandals (17-5 overall) enter the contest as one of the conference’s hottest teams, having won seven of their last eight games. Their most recent outing was a dominant 94-71 victory over Northern Arizona, fueled by a balanced attack.

Idaho’s engine is guard Hope Hassmann, who is coming off a 20-point, 5-rebound, 6-assist performance. Over her last four games, she has averaged 16.5 points and 5.5 assists, orchestrating an efficient offense.

Conversely, the Montana Lady Griz (7-14) have lost two straight and six of their last eight. They fell 64-57 at home to Sacramento State last Saturday despite 16 points from standout guard Avery Waddington.

Waddington remains the focal point for Montana, capable of explosive scoring. She poured in 31 points in a win over Portland State on Jan. 29 and has averaged 18.1 points over her last seven contests. Her production will be critical for a team seeking an upset.

The Vandals won the season’s first meeting decisively, 67-50, in Missoula on Jan. 8. Idaho’s defense stifled Montana that night, a formula they will aim to replicate.

This matchup pits one of the conference’s elite against a team in the lower tier, but Montana’s recent win at Idaho State shows its capability. The game will be played at Idaho Central Credit Union Arena in Caldwell.

Idaho currently sits near the top of the Big Sky, while Montana is fighting to improve its seeding for the upcoming conference tournament. A Vandals win would solidify their position, while a Lady Griz victory would provide a crucial resume boost.