Week ahead

Idaho Vandals

Saturday: vs. UC Riverside, 7 p.m., Cowan Spectrum

Outlook: The Vandals face former Big West Conference cohort UC Riverside (5-19, 1-9 Big West). The Highlanders earned their first conference win in 364 days by knocking off CS Fullerton last week behind junior guard Larry Cunningham’s 34-point effort in the second half. Cunningham went scoreless in the first half after picking up two quick fouls. UC Riverside is 0-14 in road games.

EWU Eagles

Saturday: at Santa Barbara, 7:05 p.m.

Outlook: The Eagles take a break from Big Sky play for a BracketBuster-mandated matchup. Like last year, they go on the road to face a Big West team that is 5-0 against common opponents, including Montana State and UNLV. The Gauchos (15-7) are led by 6-6 junior guard Alex Harris, averaging 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists, and 6-8 Chris Devine, 15 ppg and 6.6 rebounds.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

Saturday: vs. Memphis, 3 p.m. in Spokane Arena (ESPN)

Monday: vs. Portland, 6 p.m. in the McCarthey Athletic Center (KHQ-FSN)

Outlook: The Bulldogs, still reeling from the indefinite suspension of sophomore forward Josh Heytvelt on drug possession charges, step out of the WCC to take on a defensive-minded Memphis team that is ranked No. 8. GU could make a huge – and much-needed – statement to the NCAA selection committee with an upset win, prior to heading back into conference play and hosting Portland.

WSU Cougars

No games

Outlook: After Wednesday night’s game at Washington, the Cougars have a full week off to prepare for Oregon. The Ducks are the only group to defeat WSU on Friel Court this season, and they’ll be a stern test for WSU on the road next Thursday. The Cougars will take at least two days off from practice in the next week in an attempt to rest up following a grueling Pac-10 run.