Aggies face Idaho with lots at stake

The days of calling the University of Idaho a gimme win are gone.

Sure, the Vandals' record (13-14, 9-8) isn't spectacular, but they have won eight of the past 10 games and have to be considered with Utah State and Pacific as the hottest teams in the Big West Conference.

Both Utah State and Idaho have a lot to play in the regular season finale for both teams tonight at 8 p.m. in Moscow.

Currently, the Aggies hold a one-half game lead over Pacific (20-7, 15-1), while the Vandals hold a one-half game lead over Santa Barbara for third place heading into play Thursday night.

The Aggies have already wrapped up the No. 1 or No. 2 seed in next week's Big West Conference tournament, but a win over Idaho would force the Tigers to win their final game of the year Saturday against CS Fullerton.

If Utah State and Pacific tie, there will be a coin flip to determine the No. 1 seed.

Utah State will have to answer the bell at Idaho, a feat only a few teams have accomplished this year at the Cowan Spectrum. The Vandals have lost only two conference games and three total. Their last home loss came Jan. 17 to Pacific, 63-62.

"Obviously, Idaho is greatly improved and anytime you go to Moscow, Idaho, it's a challenge," Utah State coach Stew Morrill said. "We've got to get ready for all the things they do and how much they've improved."

Add in the fact the Aggies are ranked 21st and 23rd, respectively, in the latest ESPN/USA Today and Associated Press Top 25 only gives the Vandals more incentive to win.

The Aggies beat the Vandals 69-56 to open the Big West Conference season in Logan in early January.

"I think they feel really good and should feel good about where they're at compared to where they were a few months ago," Morrill said. "Hopefully, we understand the task ahead and the energy it's going to take to compete up there."

Since suffering their only conference loss to Pacific, the Aggies have win four straight games.

Tyrone Hayes leads the Vandals in scoring at 13. 1 points per game, while Dwayne Williams, who drills just under three 3-pointers per game, averages 10.9 points.

Cardell Butler (14.2), Nate Harris (12.1) and Spencer Nelson (10.6) continue to lead the Aggies in scoring.