POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State Men's Basketball returns to Reed Gym on Friday, Nov. 21, hosting Justice University in its second home contest of the 2025–26 season. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. MT on ESPN+.

Head Coach Ryan Looney, who recently earned his 400th career victory, brings his Bengals (2–3) back to Pocatello after a demanding four-game road stretch that concluded with competitive showings at Seattle U and Santa Clara. Three of Idaho State's first five games have been decided by single digits.

Last Time Out

Idaho State wrapped up the road trip with a 55–64 defensive battle at Santa Clara, where sophomore Martin Kheil led the Bengals with 15 points, including three three-pointers. Redshirt-Sophomore center Evan Otten pulled down eight rebounds and added four blocks.

Earlier in the week at Seattle University, senior forward Caleb Van De Griend posted his first double-double as a Bengal with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while captain Connor Hollenbeck added 11 points and a season-high five assists.

Through five games, Idaho State continues to be one of the Big Sky's best rebounding teams, averaging 33.2 rebounds per game with a +5.2 margin.

Scouting the Bengals (2–3)

Team Leaders

• Connor Hollenbeck – 14.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 12 made threes

• Caleb Van De Griend – 13.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 57.5 FG%

• Martin Kheil – 10.0 ppg, 53.3 3FG%

• Gus Etchison – 6.4 ppg

• Jamison Guerra – 6.0 ppg, 4.0 apg, 4.00 A/T ratio

Scouting Justice University (2–2)

Justice University arrives in Pocatello at 2–2, owning two lopsided wins over Navajo Tech and two losses to Embry-Riddle (AZ) and Northern Arizona.

2025–26 Results

• L, 87–63 vs. Embry-Riddle (AZ)

• L, 87–55 at Northern Arizona

• W, 122–46 vs. Navajo Tech

• W, 120–56 vs. Navajo Tech

The Lions feature a veteran perimeter group with three All-Conference First Team performers returning.

Top Players

• #2 JD Walker – 6'4 Guard/Forward (All-Conference First Team)
  Versatile, physical scorer who plays 1–4.

• #4 Vanti Erving Jr. – 6'2 Guard (All-Conference First Team)
  Dynamic shot-creator and JU's top perimeter scoring threat.

• #13 Meech Valdez – 5'9 Guard (All-Conference First Team 2023-24)
  High-energy lead guard with deep shooting range.

• #3 Ray King – 6'4 Guard
  Slashing, athletic guard who pressures defenses downhill.

• #9 Jaydon Cameron – 6'5 Wing
  Long, physical two-way player.

• #21 Devin Miller – 6'3 Guard/Forward
  Strong defender and rebounder in the backcourt.

• #11 Marshall Kerley – 6'6 Wing
  Lengthy multipositional defender.

• #5 Nyzhir Brown – 6'2 Guard
  Active shooter and secondary scorer.

Series History:
This is the first-ever meeting between Idaho State and Justice University.

How to Follow

📺 Watch: ESPN+
📊 Live Stats: isubengals.com

BENGAL BITES

• Idaho State has played four single-digit games in its first five contests.

• Van De Griend's 25–10 at Seattle U marked his first ISU double-double.

• Kheil has hit 53% from three over his first three games as a Bengal.

• Jamison Guerra – Assist/Turnover Ratio:

  • 68th nationally, 2nd in the Big Sky (4.00)

• Connor Hollenbeck – Three-Pointers Made:

  • 107th nationally, 3rd in the Big Sky (12 makes)

• Caleb Van De Griend – Free Throw Attempts:

  • 105th nationally, 4th in the Big Sky (29 attempts)

• Caleb Van De Griend – Free Throws Made:

  • 4th in the Big Sky (21 makes)

• Caleb Van De Griend – Total Rebounds:

  • 146th nationally, 3rd in the Big Sky (34 boards)

• Connor Hollenbeck – Minutes Per Game:

  • 4th in the Big Sky (32:33)

• Evan Otten – Blocks:

  • 3rd in the Big Sky (5 total), 4th in BPG (1.0)

• Cheikh Sow – Steals:

  • 5th in the Big Sky (7)

Stay connected with Bengal Basketball all season long. Follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for highlights, updates, and behind-the-scenes content.