Idaho showed progress under second-year coach George Pfeifer, meeting several milestones that wouldn't seem like much to most programs but have significance for the downtrodden Vandals.

Picked to finish last in the WAC, the Vandals finished tied for sixth -- their highest finish since joining the league. Idaho won two league road games, its first-ever road wins in the WAC. With eight victories, Idaho surpassed its win total for every season since the 2004-05 campaign.

"Sitting here, we feel a lot more optimistic right now at this juncture than we did at this time last year," Pfeifer said.

But now the challenge for Pfeifer is to consolidate those gains. In recent offseasons, the program has been in a constant state of flux with players coming and going. Pfeifer promises a more stable roster over the summer. Athletic director Rob Spear said he would evaluate the program at the end of the season.

"We feel the growth right now," Pfeifer said. "We're not thumping our chests, but there's a difference between where we were and where we are now."

Behind WAC newcomer of the year Jordan Brooks, shooter Mike Hall and Washington State transfer Mac Hopson, the Vandals have reason for optimism.

NEW MEXICO STATE 73, IDAHO 53: The Vandals were bounced in the quarterfinals of the WAC tournament Thursday in Las Cruces, N.M., ending their season. Against the host Aggies, Idaho stayed within striking distance for much of the first 30 minutes, but they never could deliver a big shot. The Vandals shot 34.9 percent from the field.

Michael Crowell and Mike Hall, the team's leading shooters, shot a combined 6-for-27 from the field, including 4-for-18 from 3-point range. Crowell entered the conference tournament third in the league in 3-point shooting at 47.2 percent. Hall entered the tournament fifth in the league in 3-point shooting at 42.2 percent. With the Vandals trailing 45-34, Hall and Crowell missed open looks from 3-point range on the same possession, either one of which would have cut the lead to single digits.

Jordan Brooks was 1-for-8 from the floor. The Vandals also struggled from the free-throw line, making a mere three of 13 attempts from the line.

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