POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State Men's Basketball continues its November road slate with a two-game West Coast swing, visiting Seattle University on Saturday, Nov. 15, before facing Santa Clara on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
Head Coach Ryan Looney, fresh off his 400th career victory, leads a veteran Bengal roster that has shown balance and toughness through the early portion of the season. Captains Connor Hollenbeck and Jamison Guerra continue to steer Idaho State's offense alongside transfer standouts Caleb Van De Griend and Quin Patterson.
Saturday, Nov. 15 – at Seattle University (1–1)
The Redhawks opened their season with an 84–73 win over Denver before dropping a tight 73–71 loss to Cal Poly, both at home. Seattle U averages 77.5 points per game while shooting 45.9 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
Head Coach Chris Victor's squad is anchored by two prolific scorers:
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Brayden Maldonado – 22.5 points, 5.0 rebounds per game; 55.2 FG%, 42.9 3FG%, 100 FT%
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Will Heimbrodt – 22.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 blocks per game; 63.0 FG%, 55.6 3FG%
The Redhawks' guard duo has combined for 12 three-pointers and over half the team's scoring through two games. Former Bengal, Maleek Arington, adds 7.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 steals per game, giving Seattle U an active defensive presence in the backcourt.
As a team, the Redhawks average 8.0 steals and 6.0 blocks per game, force 20.5 turnovers per contest, and hold opponents to 38.6 percent shooting, but have struggled on the boards (–4.5 rebounding margin) and at the free-throw line (57.4 percent).
Series History:
Seattle U leads the all-time series 26-6. The programs last met in 2017, with the Redhawks winning at home. Idaho State's last victory in Seattle came in 1957-58.
How to Follow
📺 Watch: ESPN+
📊 Live Stats: isubengals.com
Tuesday, Nov. 18 – at Santa Clara (3–0)
The Broncos are off to a 3–0 start, recording wins over Cal Poly Humboldt (83–53), McNeese (79–67), and Xavier (87–68). Santa Clara averages 83.0 points per game while holding opponents to 62.7, owning a dominant +13.0 rebounding margin and shooting 47.0 percent from the field.
Junior Elijah Mahi leads the team with 17.0 points per game on 54 percent shooting, while guard Christian Hammond adds 13.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per outing. Forward Allen Graves controls the paint with 9.3 rebounds per game, and center Jake Ensminger provides balance inside with 9.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per contest.
The Broncos have showcased remarkable depth — seven players average at least 7.0 points per game — and rank among the national leaders in assists (19.0 per game) and blocks (7.0 per game).
Series History:
Santa Clara leads the all-time series 4-3, with Idaho State's lone victory coming in 2018 (68–66) in Santa Clara.
How to Follow
📺 Watch: ESPN+
🎧 Listen: KISU 91.1 FM
📊 Live Stats: isubengals.com
Bengal Leaders (Through Nov. 11)
Additional contributors:
Lachlan Brewer (5.3 ppg, 2.0 apg, 1.3 spg) and Blake Daberkow (3.7 ppg, 1.3 rpg, .3 bpg) provide spark off the bench.
Preseason Context
Idaho State was picked to finish 5th by the media and 8th by the coaches in the 2025–26 Big Sky Preseason Polls, highlighting a conference race expected to be one of the tightest in recent memory. The Bengals look to maintain momentum following their early-season performances against San Diego and nationally ranked San Diego State.
BENGAL BITES
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Head Coach Ryan Looney reached 400 career victories during Idaho State's California trip.
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Idaho State is averaging +9.7 in rebounding margin on the season.
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Hollenbeck has led the team in scoring in all 3 games this season
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Patterson ranks among the Big Sky's early leaders in three-point percentage (46.2%).
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Guerra has a 4.3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio across the first two contests.
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