Event Preview
Overview
The Denver Pioneers women's basketball team is set to face the Idaho Vandals in a non-conference matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 9:00 AM EEST (8:00 PM MST on December 5). The game will take place at the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena in Moscow, Idaho. This contest offers both teams an opportunity to refine their strategies and build momentum as they progress through the season.
Season Snapshot
Denver Pioneers:
The Pioneers are entering their 2025–26 season under the leadership of head coach Jeff Wulbrun, who is in his fourth year with the program. In the previous season (2024–25), Denver finished with a record of 11–21, including a 5–11 mark in Summit League play, placing them seventh in the conference. Notably, the Pioneers advanced to the Summit League championship game, marking their first appearance in the title game. They secured victories over Kansas City and Omaha before falling to South Dakota State in the final. (en.wikipedia.org)
Idaho Vandals:
The Vandals are under the guidance of first-year head coach Arthur Moreira. In the 2024–25 season, Idaho concluded with an 18–12 record and a 10–8 mark in Big Sky Conference play, finishing sixth in the conference. They were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Big Sky tournament by Montana. (en.wikipedia.org)
Recent Form
Denver Pioneers:
As of December 5, 2025, the Pioneers have not yet played a game this season. Their season opener is scheduled against the Air Force Falcons on November 3, 2025. (denverpioneers.com)
Idaho Vandals:
The Vandals have demonstrated strong early-season performance. They secured their sixth consecutive victory on November 29, 2025, with an 83–61 win over Wichita State, improving their record to 7–1. Kyra Gardner led the team with 21 points in that game. (govandals.com)
Talking Points
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Coaching Debuts: Both teams are under new leadership, with Jeff Wulbrun at Denver and Arthur Moreira at Idaho. Fans will be keen to see how these coaching changes influence team dynamics and performance.
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Idaho's Winning Streak: The Vandals are on a six-game winning streak, showcasing their offensive prowess and team cohesion. Their ability to maintain this momentum will be a focal point.
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Denver's Season Opener: As the Pioneers' first game of the season, expectations are high for how they will perform against a strong Idaho team. Their readiness and adaptability will be under scrutiny.
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Player Matchups: The game will feature intriguing individual matchups, particularly in the backcourt, where both teams have dynamic guards capable of impacting the game's outcome.
Players to Watch
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Kyra Gardner (Idaho): Gardner has been a standout for the Vandals, leading the team with 21 points in their recent victory over Wichita State. (govandals.com)
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Jennifer Aadland (Denver): Aadland is expected to be a key player for the Pioneers, bringing experience and leadership to the court.
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Lorena Barbosa (Idaho): Barbosa scored a career-high 18 points in a previous game, highlighting her scoring ability and potential impact. (govandals.com)
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Sarah Brans (Idaho): Brans contributed a career-high eight rebounds in a recent game, showcasing her presence in the paint. (govandals.com)
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Debora Reis Dos Santos (Idaho): Dos Santos also grabbed eight rebounds in the same game, indicating her importance in the Vandals' rebounding efforts. (govandals.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Coaching Strategies: The tactical approaches of Wulbrun and Moreira will be pivotal, especially in how they adjust to each other's styles and in-game situations.
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Offensive Execution: Idaho's high-scoring offense will test Denver's defensive schemes, particularly in limiting Gardner and Barbosa's effectiveness.
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Rebounding Battle: With Brans and Dos Santos leading the Vandals in rebounds, Denver's ability to control the boards will be crucial in limiting second-chance opportunities.
Fun Facts
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Idaho's Best Start: The Vandals' 7–1 start to the season is their best since the 2015–16 campaign, when they finished 24–10. (bvmsports.com)
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Denver's Home Advantage: The Pioneers have a strong home record against Air Force, with a 9–2 mark in Hamilton Gymnasium. (denverpioneers.com)
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Record-Breaking Crowd: UC Davis set an attendance record of 5,567 for a game against Idaho, highlighting the Vandals' appeal. (ucdavisaggies.com)
Things to Chirp About
- "How will Denver's new coaching staff impact their performance in the season opener?"
- "Can Idaho maintain their impressive winning streak against a fresh Denver team?"
- "Which player will step up as the game-changer for their team?"
- "What adjustments will both teams make to counter each other's strengths?"
Prediction
While Denver is entering the season with a new coaching staff and untested lineup, Idaho's strong start and established roster give them a slight edge. However, the Pioneers' home-court advantage and the unpredictability of a season opener make this matchup intriguing. The game is expected to be competitive, with Idaho potentially securing a narrow victory.