POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State Men's Basketball hits the road for Thanksgiving week as the Bengals travel to Boise for the Holiday Hoops Classic, hosted by the University of Idaho inside Idaho Central Arena. Idaho State faces Sam Houston State on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and CSUN on Friday, Nov. 28, with both games tipping off at 4:30 PM MT on ESPN+ and KISU 91.1 FM.

Head Coach Ryan Looney and the Bengals (3–3) enter the event coming off their most dominant performance of the season, a 89–51 victory over Justice University. Idaho State has continued to show improvement on the defensive end, strong production off the bench, and balanced scoring across its rotation through the season's opening six games.

Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Idaho State vs. Sam Houston State

Holiday Hoops Classic – Idaho Central Arena (Boise, Idaho)
Tipoff: 4:30 PM MT

Scouting Sam Houston State

Sam Houston State arrives in Boise with a 3–2 record and one of the most balanced scoring groups the Bengals have faced to this point in the season. The Bearkats feature a deep rotation with eight players averaging at least 5.0 points per game, led by the efficient interior presence of Veljko Ilic, who is averaging 10.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 65.6 percent from the field. Freshman guard Isaiah Manning has added a dynamic scoring spark early in his collegiate career with 10.6 points per game and seven made three-pointers across five contests.

The Bearkats also rely heavily on the physicality of Damon Nicholas Jr., who contributes 10.0 points and a team-best 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 56.3 percent from the floor. Guard Jacobe Coleman provides another efficient scoring option at 10.0 points per game, and point guard Justin Begg helps orchestrate Sam Houston's offense with 9.6 points per game and a team-leading 19 assists. Forward Kashie Natt sets the tone on the boards with 8.4 rebounds per game, ranking as one of the best rebounders in the WAC early in the season. With depth, physicality, and balance at every position, Sam Houston State presents a significant early-season challenge for Idaho State on both ends of the floor.

Series History

This is the second-ever meeting between Idaho State and Sam Houston State. The Bearkats defeating the Bengals during the 2002-03 season, 58-65.

How to Follow – Sam Houston State Game

📺 Watch: ESPN+
🎧 Listen: KISU 91.1 FM
📊 Live Stats: isubengals.com

Friday, Nov. 28 – Idaho State vs. CSUN

Holiday Hoops Classic – Idaho Central Arena (Boise, Idaho)
Tipoff: 4:30 PM MT

Scouting CSUN

CSUN enters the Holiday Hoops Classic at 3–3 and features one of the premier scoring duos in the Big West. Guard Larry Hughes II leads the Matadors with 18.0 points per game while shooting a blistering 54.3 percent from three (19-for-35), making him one of the most efficient perimeter shooters in the country. Around him, the Matadors receive standout two-way play from Joshua O'Garro, who adds 15.0 points and a dominant 10.0 rebounds per game while logging more than 31 minutes a night.

Point guard Josiah Davis serves as CSUN's lead facilitator and tempo-setter with 13.4 points per game and a team-best 28 assists, consistently attacking downhill to create scoring opportunities. The Matadors also bring significant interior production through Mahmoud Fofana, who contributes 9.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, and Aleks Szymczyk, who adds 8.2 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 63.0 percent from the field. Together, CSUN's starting five provides a balanced offensive attack and strong defensive rebounding, making the Matadors one of Idaho State's toughest non-conference opponents.

Series History

Cal State Northridge leads the all-time series 9–8, however, the Bengals have won their last 4 of 5 against CSUN. This will be the first-ever neutral site matchup between the two programs.

How to Follow – CSUN Game

📺 Watch: ESPN+
🎧 Listen: KISU 91.1 FM
📊 Live Stats: isubengals.com

Idaho State Team Overview (Through Nov. 22)

Team Profile

• Record: 3–3

• Points Per Game: 71.2

• Opponent Points: 68.3

• Field Goal %: 45.5

• 3FG %: 29.1

• Rebounds: 35.3 per game

• Blocks: 4.2 per game

• Assists: 13.3 per game

• Bench Points: 37.0 per game

• Rebounding Margin: +8.2

Individual Leaders

• Caleb Van De Griend: 16.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 64.8% FG

• Connor Hollenbeck: 13.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 13 made threes

• Martin Kheil: 12.0 PPG, 45% from three

• Jamison Guerra: 6.7 PPG, 4.3 APG

• Evan Otten: 1.3 BPG

• Cheikh Sow: 1.4 SPG

BENGAL BITES

Team Rankings – Top 4 (NCAA or Big Sky)

• Bench Points – 1st Big Sky, 31st nationally (37.0)

• Fouls Per Game – 1st Big Sky, 11th nationally (13.7)

• Offensive Rebounds – 3rd Big Sky, 80th nationally (13.5)

• Blocks Per Game – 2nd Big Sky, 111th nationally (4.2)

• Scoring Defense – 2nd Big Sky, 95th nationally (68.3 allowed)

• Turnover Margin – 4th Big Sky (+1.5)

Individual Rankings – All Players Listed

• Jamison Guerra – Assist/Turnover Ratio: 24th nationally, 1st Big Sky (5.20)

• Jamison Guerra – Assists: 100th nationally, 5th Big Sky (26)

• Caleb Van De Griend – Field Goal %: 37th nationally, 1st Big Sky (64.8%)

• Caleb Van De Griend – Total Rebounds: 99th nationally, 3rd Big Sky (44)

• Caleb Van De Griend – Free Throw Attempts: 99th nationally, 4th Big Sky (35)

• Connor Hollenbeck – Total 3FGM: 13, 5th Big Sky

• Connor Hollenbeck – 3PA: 34 attempts, 3rd Big Sky

• Evan Otten – Blocks: 8 total, 2nd Big Sky

• Cheikh Sow – Steals: 7 total, 5th Big Sky

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