Callandret receives Big Sky honors

From wire service

Junior guard Perrion Callandret was named the Big Sky Conference Player of the Week, as announced by the league office Monday.

Callandret was integral in Idaho’s 78-74 win over local rival Washington State in the Battle of the Palouse.

Callandret scored a game-high 25 points as the Vandals took down the Cougars for the second straight year, this time 78-74. Callandret shot 7-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-4 from range, and went 9-of-13 from the charity stripe. He had five rebounds, four assists and one steal.

The Vandals jumped out to an early lead on the Cougars and maintained it for most of the game. Washington State made a comeback effort early in the second half, but Idaho stayed poised and recovered after struggling after the break.

The longest running, annual college basketball rivalry west of the Mississippi, the Battle of the Palouse dates back to 1906. Idaho won back-to-back games for the first time since winning three straight from 1988-1990 and won at home for the first time since 2002.

The Vandals next take on New Hope on Friday at 7 p.m.