Utah State to face Idaho in rare postseason matchup

Utah State's matchup against Idaho on Saturday promises to be an intriguing affair that almost never happens at this time of year. And it's not just because this is the CollegeInsider.com tournament.

Conference foes meeting in the postseason almost never happens. Two coaches who know each other as well as Stew Morrill and Don Verlin rarely meet in March.

But here it is, Utah State and Idaho for the third time this season, and the second time at the Spectrum.

"It's definitely kind of weird playing a league opponent in a postseason event," Morrill said. "It happens pretty rarely, but it does happen. They are playing pretty well right now. They are getting up and down the court and scoring a ton of points. We have to find a way to slow them down a little bit."

For the Aggies, slowing the Vandals didn't prove to be a difficult task three weeks ago. With sophomore guard Preston Medlin having a career night, Utah State handily beat Verlin's crew, a win that was much needed at the time.

But Idaho is formidable with the inside-out duo of Kyle Barone and Deremy Geiger. Medlin will likely see a lot of attention, which could make scoring difficult for the Aggies if others don't step up and play well.

"I think they're going to give us a number of different looks," Morrill said. "We're going to have to be ready for everything. They are going to focus on Preston. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you play us, he's a big concern."

tjones@sltrib.com

Twitter: @tonyaggieville —

Idaho at Utah State

P At the Spectrum (Logan)

Tipoff • Saturday, 7 p.m.

TV • None

Radio • 97.5 FM

Records • Idaho 19-13, Utah State 18-15

Series • Utah State leads 34-14

Last meeting • Utah State, 67-50 (Feb. 24)