POCATELLO, Idaho (Interstat) — A critical Big Sky Conference women’s basketball showdown is set for Saturday when the Idaho Vandals visit the Idaho State Bengals at Holt Arena. The matchup features the conference’s top two teams by record. Idaho (20-5, 11-1 Big Sky) enters on a nine-game winning streak and sits atop the league standings. Idaho State (17-7, 9-3) is in second place and riding a six-game win streak of its own, setting the stage for a high-stakes Valentine’s Day clash. The Vandals won the first meeting this season, 81-68, in Moscow on Jan. 15. Idaho’s balanced attack and defensive pressure proved decisive. To split the season series and tighten the conference race, the Bengals will need a stronger performance on their home floor. A key duel will be between standout guards. Idaho’s Hope Hassmann is averaging 18.1 points and 5.6 assists during the winning streak, coming off a 25-point, 5-assist performance in a win at Weber State on Thursday. For Idaho State, Tasia Jordan has been a scoring force, dropping 30 points in a win over Portland State on Feb. 2 and 21 points in Thursday’s victory over Eastern Washington. Idaho’s surge has been marked by offensive efficiency, scoring 80 or more points in five of their last nine games. The Bengals counter with a stout defense, having held opponents under 70 points in five consecutive games. With first place in the conference on the line, Saturday’s contest carries significant implications for postseason seeding. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. MST at Holt Arena.