Idaho State Falls to Weber State in Big Sky Opener

 
POCATELLO, Idaho- The Idaho State men's basketball team lost its Big Sky Conference opener 77-56 to Weber State on Saturday night at the Dee Events Center in Ogden, Utah. The Bengals never led and Weber State used a first-half run to break the game open.

Weber State shot 45 percent from the floor while ISU was held to 32 percent shooting. The Bengals only made one three-pointer on 13 attempts but did out rebounded WSU 40-39.

Ethan Telfair led the Bengal scoring with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. He was nine-of-10 from the free throw line. Ali Faruq-Bey had 13 points.

Geno Luzcando tied his career-high in rebounds with eight and Novak Topalovic had a career-best eight boards.

"Our guys did a lot of good things," Idaho State coach Bill Evans said. "Our whole team really battled. We tried hard. They were just better than us tonight. Sometimes that happens. I really thought Geno was terrific on the boards tonight."

Joel Bolomboy led Weber State with 25 points and 13 rebounds.

"Their post guys were really hard for us to guard," Evans said. "The good thing about basketball is you can make adjustments to make it more difficult the next time you play. I think Bolomboy will play in the NBA. His skill level has really improved."

Weber State led 23-18 with 7:45 left in the first half following a 3-pointer by ISU's Stephen Lennox. The Wildcats then went on a 21-6 run to take a 44-26 lead in the final seconds of the first half. Weber State went into the locker room leading 44-28.

Idaho State got no closer than 11 points at 60-49 with 10 minutes left in the game.

"Weber State is a good Big Sky team," Evans said. "We will get better because of this. "

Idaho State returns home to host Northern Colorado on Thursday, January 7, at 7 p.m. at ICCU Court in Holt Arena. The Bengals then host North Dakota on Saturday, January 9, at 7 p.m. in Holt Arena.