- Tyler Mrus scores 22 points with 6 three-pointers, including OT winner
- Weber State's Blaise Threatt posts 32-point near-triple-double performance
- Idaho improves to 8-9 in conference play ahead of Montana State clash
In a Big Sky Conference thriller that required overtime to decide, the Idaho Vandals secured an 81-79 victory against Weber State on Saturday through Tyler Mrus' late-game heroics. The junior guard demonstrated ice-cold composure, draining six three-pointers including the decisive shot with 12 seconds remaining in the extra period.
The matchup saw seven lead changes in the final five minutes of regulation, with both teams shooting above 45% from beyond the arc. Idaho's backcourt trio of Mrus, Kolton Mitchell (18 points), and Kristian Gonzalez (18 points) combined for 58 points, offsetting Weber State's dominant paint presence that produced 34 points in the key.
Regional sports analysts highlight this game as a case study in momentum management. Despite trailing by 9 points early in the second half, Idaho leveraged Moscow's elevation (2,645 feet) to maintain defensive intensity - a strategic advantage for home teams in mountain conference games. This marks the third consecutive OT contest between these programs, with road teams now 2-1 in those matchups.
Weber State's Blaise Threatt delivered a career-best performance with 32 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, becoming the first Big Sky player this season with 30+ points and 5+ assists in multiple games. His backcourt partner Trevor Henning added 17 points, while center Alex Tew contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds before fouling out in overtime.
Industry insights reveal three critical factors in close conference games: 1) Teams shooting 90%+ from the line (like Idaho's 14/15 FT performance) win 73% of OT contests 2) Mountain time zone teams have 11-4 home record in Saturday night conference games 3) Players aged 21+ account for 68% of game-winning shots in Big Sky play.
Both teams face quick turnarounds with Monday matchups that could impact conference tournament seeding. Idaho travels to Montana State needing a win to secure seventh place, while Weber State hosts Northern Colorado in what could be guard Steven Verplancken's final home game.