Idaho St. ISU 2-3,0-0 Big Sky

Santa Clara SCU 5-0,0-0 WCC

Idaho St. ISU

2-3,0-0 Big Sky

Final

Nov. 18, 2025

Santa Clara SCU

5-0,0-0 WCC

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	F
Idaho St. ISU	22	33	55
Santa Clara SCU	30	34	64

Summary
Box Score

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | 11/18/2025 10:42:00 PM | Ryan Cheney, ISU Sports Information

Idaho State Holds Santa Clara to Season Lows but Falls 55-64 on the Road

SANTA CLARA, CA – The Idaho State men's basketball team turned in its strongest defensive performance of the season Tuesday night, holding Santa Clara to season lows across the board in a 55-64 road loss at the Leavey Center. Entering the matchup, the Bengals were searching for their highest-rated win since defeating Boise State on Nov. 10, 2018, when the Broncos held a KenPom ranking of 61. Santa Clara entered Tuesday ranked No. 68 in KenPom.

Despite limiting one of the WCC's most efficient offenses well below its usual output, the Bengals were unable to overcome Santa Clara's dominance on the glass, where the Broncos collected 43 rebounds — including 19 offensive boards. Those 19 offensive rebounds were the most allowed by Idaho State in any game since Dec. 20, 2022, at Grand Canyon.

Offensively, Idaho State was paced by Martin Kheil's 15 points and Evan Otten's eight rebounds and interior presence, while Jamison Guerra and Caleb Van De Griend added key second-half scoring to keep ISU within range.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Idaho State set the defensive tone immediately, holding Santa Clara to just 30 first-half points, their lowest total in any half this season. The Broncos missed their first 13 three-point attempts and hit only one triple before halftime.

ISU's defensive rotations were sharp throughout the night. Santa Clara — who entered averaging over 80 points per game — finished with season lows in scoring (64), made threes (4), three-point percentage (15.4%), and assists (13), a testament to the Bengals' commitment to ball pressure and disciplined help coverage.

In the second half, Idaho State found more rhythm offensively. Kheil poured in 12 of his 15 points after the break, connecting on three deep threes that cut into the Broncos' advantage. Otten worked effectively in the post and on the offensive glass, while Guerra and Van De Griend combined for 14 points with improved ball movement and spacing.

But every time the Bengals made a push, Santa Clara extended possessions with second-chance opportunities. The Broncos' 19 offensive rebounds created 16 second-chance points, allowing them to maintain a two-possession cushion for much of the half.

Despite shooting 45.8 percent from the field in the second half and making multiple late runs, Idaho State could not close the margin, falling 55-64.

PLAYER STATS

The Idaho State starting five was led by Cheikh Sow, who scored six points — all from the free-throw line — while adding three rebounds and two assists. Connor Hollenbeck totaled six points, two rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal. Gus Etchison added five points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 22 minutes. Evan Otten delivered his most complete outing of the season with five points and a team-high eight rebounds, including four offensive boards, and a game-high four blocks. Lachlan Brewer contributed four points, one rebound, and an assist.

Off the bench for the Bengals, Martin Kheil led the team with his second straight game scoring 15 points, shooting 5-of-10 from the field and 3-of-8 from beyond the arc with three rebounds. Jamison Guerra added eight points, four assists, four rebounds, and a steal in 18 minutes. Caleb Van De Griend chipped in six points, five rebounds, and three steals while providing strong defense and physicality. Quin Patterson & Blake Daberkow each added valuable rotation minutes.

TEAM STATS

Idaho State finished shooting 39.1 percent (18-for-46) from the field, 25.0 percent (6-for-24) from three, and 72.2 percent (13-for-18) from the free-throw line. ISU recorded 32 rebounds, eight fast-break points, and 29 points off the bench.

Santa Clara shot 34.8 percent (23-for-66) from the floor and just 15.4 percent (4-for-26) from beyond the arc — both season lows — while handing out a season-low 13 assists. However, the Broncos' 43 total rebounds and 19 offensive rebounds proved to be the difference.

BENGAL BITES

Idaho State held Santa Clara to season lows in scoring (64), made three-pointers (4), three-point percentage (15.4%), and assists (13).
Santa Clara's 19 offensive rebounds were the most allowed by Idaho State since Dec. 20, 2022 at Grand Canyon.
Kheil scored a team-high 15 points, his second straight game with 15+ points.
Otten grabbed a season-high eight rebounds, including four offensive, and a season-high four blocks.
Guerra added eight points, four assists, and four rebounds off the bench.
Van De Griend totaled six points, five rebounds, and three steals.

NEXT UP

Idaho State returns home to Reed Gym on Friday, Nov. 21, to host Justice University at 1 p.m for Grace Lutheran Takeover Day. The game will stream on ESPN+.

SUPPORT THE BENGALS

Fans can purchase tickets for upcoming Idaho State athletic events by visiting idahostate.evenue.net/list/Athl. The ISU Ticket Office is available at (208) 282-4093 or joyerin@isu.edu.