Solid Gold It was obvious that Idaho wouldn't be able to sit back and relax during the playoffs, but few people actually thought they would have too much trouble with their opening op· ponent, Weber State. The Wildcats, who had been beaten han· dily by the Vandals twice during the season, put up a fight that Idaho players and fans wouldn't soon forget. In the first half it looked like a typical Vandal game as Idaho piled up a 12-point lead. Weber State refused to give up and came from behind to hold the lead with less than two minutes to play. However, ex· perience payed off, and the Vandals pulled through for a 57-55 victory. Things were not much easier the next night as Idaho met Nevada-Reno, which beat Montana in the semi-finals for the championship. . After falling behind 35-34 at the end of the first half, the Vandal crowd decided it was time to step in. So with the never-ending encouragement of the crowd the Vandals pulled together and knocked off Reno 85·80 for their second consecutive Big Sky title. "I really think playing at home was it. The crowd made the difference," said Coach Don Monson. Despite the two wins, Idaho fell to eighth in the next AP poll. But with the Big Sky title under their belt, the team and students smil· ed and sat back to wait for the teams National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seeding.
continued UNDER THE BASKET thing• c:an get q•lte ro.t~la. Plill Hopeon (44) and Gordie Herbert (20) O.lat, along with tlaree Nevada-Reno player•, for the baU In the tan.&on-filled Big Sky Claamplon· .talpea-.
MOST VAWABLE PLAYER Kenny Owen• rec:aJva illS award from GOVernor Jobn Evan• aed two Bie Sky Offidak. 0...., a Mnlor, pt~~~~ped In r1 pointe to lead all ac:orar• In the tl· tie game.
222 Men's Basketball