The WSU women’s basketball team is set to face University of Idaho at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13.

The team is set to host the Vandals (2-1) in the Battle of the Palouse for their second game of the season.

This will be the first out of conference matchup for Washington State, and they look to make it the first home victory of their 2020 campaign.

The WSU’s men’s basketball team took down the Idaho Vandals 61-58 on Dec. 9., now the women Vandals are out to avenge their allies.

The women’s basketball team beat University of Washington 60-52 in the Alaska Airlines Arena on Dec 11.

The Cougars (1-0) defeated the Huskies (1-2), in a game that featured a strong offensive first half, mixed with dominant defense in the second.

Idaho is 2-1 on the season, both wins coming at home against in-conference opponent Sacramento State. Their lone loss came against No. 23 Texas.

The last time WSU played UI was in 2008 in Moscow when the Cougars held on to win a close one 53-50.

This year, Washington State looks to repeat history in their 2020 home opener.

“I like our team, I like how they prepare,” said WSU head coach Kamie Ethridge.

Idaho has put up a combined 226 points this season in just three games, giving them the top ranking in the Big Sky Conference.

After a strong defensive showing last night against University of Washington, Coach Ethridge said she is a firm believer that her defense will hold their own.

“I think we have some really good defenders,” Ethridge said. “Maybe a little better than what we’ve had in the past.”

WSU’s 29-4 run in the first half against UW was sparked by strong defensive stands, resulting in the Huskies turning the ball over.

The constant rotation of players on and off of the bench also aided the Cougs, and they look to repeat the process to find similar success on Sunday.

“We’re a deeper team this year, so it lets us play more people if we need to,” Ethridge said.

Despite the team finally getting their first win, players were simply happy to get back onto the court.

“We really are a family, and we just have each other,” said WSU guard Michaela Jones. “We appreciate the opportunity to play, and when it’s taken away it just makes us hungrier.”

WSU is coming off their first win of the season, and UI will be looking to rebound from their first loss of the season.

The drive from Moscow to Pullman should be just long enough to pop some popcorn, grab your cosmic crisp apples and get ready for the 2020 Battle of the Palouse.