Idaho Vandals vs Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Picks and Predictions January 31st 2026

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Idaho Vandals vs Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Betting Preview

The Idaho Vandals travel to Flagstaff to face the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks in a Big Sky Conference matchup at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome. Idaho enters with a 12-9 record and looks to rebound after a loss to Northern Colorado, while Northern Arizona aims to defend its 8-5 home mark after beating Eastern Washington. With the Vandals favored by 5.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Idaho’s perimeter shooting and Northern Arizona’s home-court confidence.

Line Movement and Odds

Idaho is favored, but Northern Arizona’s home record makes this line worth tracking. Current market:

  • Idaho Spread: -5.5 (-108)
  • Northern Arizona Spread: +5.5 (-112)
  • Idaho MoneyLine: -225
  • Northern Arizona MoneyLine: +185
  • Total: 144.5 (-110)

Check the college basketball odds feed for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh Idaho’s offensive pace against Northern Arizona’s shooting efficiency.

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Matchup Breakdown

Idaho Outlook

The Vandals average 80.1 points per game, with Jackson Rasmussen, Kolton Mitchell, and Biko Johnson leading the offense. Rasmussen’s 26 points vs Northern Colorado highlighted his dominance, while Mitchell’s 19 points showcased his consistency. Idaho’s efficiency (12-9 overall record; 10.6 made threes per game, 38th nationally; 53.7% effective FG) underscores their strengths. Their ability to shoot from deep and score efficiently makes them dangerous even on the road.

Northern Arizona Outlook

The Lumberjacks average 76.2 points per game, with Ryan Abelman, Karl Poom, and Chris Komin driving production. Abelman’s 20 points vs Eastern Washington highlighted his scoring, while Poom’s 16 points and nine rebounds showcased his balance. Northern Arizona’s efficiency (8-14 overall record; 8-5 at home; 38.3% three-point shooting, 33rd nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to shoot efficiently and defend at home makes them competitive despite their record.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on perimeter shooting and rebounding. Idaho thrives on Rasmussen’s inside presence and Mitchell’s scoring, while Northern Arizona must rely on Abelman’s hot hand and Poom’s rebounding to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.

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Injuries / Availability

Idaho: The Vandals report no fresh injury concerns heading into Saturday’s contest.

Northern Arizona: The Lumberjacks are expected to have their full rotation available.

Environment

The Walkup Skydome has been a reliable venue for Northern Arizona, where they’ve gone 8-5 this season. Idaho, however, has shown resilience with five road wins, making this a clash of Vandals’ offensive firepower versus Lumberjacks’ home grit.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Idaho 78, Northern Arizona 72

  • Idaho -5.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive pace and three-point shooting suggest they can cover the spread.
  • Over 144.5 → Total play. Both teams’ scoring potential points toward a combined score above the line.

Idaho’s depth and perimeter shooting should carry them to victory, while Northern Arizona’s home-court energy keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans higher-scoring, with totals landing comfortably over the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

Big Sky games often spotlight perimeter battles and rebounding duels. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in conference tempo trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Idaho vs Northern Arizona, expert breakdowns in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.

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