OREM, Utah – Idaho State men's basketball came up just short in a tightly contested road game against Utah Valley, falling 69–73 in a matchup that featured seven ties and fourteen lead changes at the UCCU Center. The game was a back-and-forth affair until the final moments, with UVU's rebounding advantage and dominance in the paint proving to be the difference, as they outscored ISU 42–22 in the paint and outrebounded the Bengals 38–25.

Head Coach Ryan Looney credited his team's effort, but also pointed to key moments that swung the game. "We wrote on the board in the locker room that the toughest team wins," Looney said. "I thought that was us the first 10 minutes of the game, and then it kind of got away from us. They punished us on the glass. It's hard to win a college basketball game when the rebound margin is the difference."

HOW IT HAPPENED

Idaho State opened the game strong with crisp passing and early three-point shooting. The Bengals drilled nine threes during the game, tying their third-highest total of the season, but struggled with consistency on the glass, as Utah Valley capitalized on several key offensive rebounds.

Looney noted, "If you look at the stats, yeah, they punished us on the glass, hard to win a game when that's the difference in the rebound margin."

The Bengals led at multiple points in the second half, and with 2:28 remaining, Caleb Van De Griend hit a clutch three to put ISU ahead 68–67. However, UVU responded with a key lob pass to the post on the next possession, taking the lead and holding it for good in the final minute.

"They made one more play than we did," Looney said. "We'll get home, regroup, and be better next time."

PLAYER STATS

Idaho State's starters contributed across the board. Connor Hollenbeck led the Bengals with 17 points, including two threes, and added three rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 37 minutes of action. Lachlan Brewer had a strong outing, scoring 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting, including two made threes, and pulling down four rebounds, and one steal. Jamison Guerra posted 8 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, continuing his solid floor generalship. Martin Kheil contributed 6 points, 4 rebounds, and two steals, including a key second-half three-pointer. Evan Otten, limited by foul trouble, still chipped in 6 points and 2 rebounds in 15 minutes.

Off the bench for Idaho State, Caleb Van De Griend was instrumental, scoring 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 2-of-2 from three, and adding four rebounds and a steal. Gus Etchison also provided a spark with 4 points, two assists, and one made three-pointer in 14 minutes. Blake Daberkow added 2 points and two rebounds, while Cheikh Sow and Quin Patterson provided defense in limited minutes.

TEAM STATS

Idaho State shot 43.6 percent from the field and 39.1 percent (9-23) from three, but struggled on the boards, where Utah Valley dominated with 38 total rebounds and 12 offensive boards. The Wolverines turned those offensive rebounds into 11 second-chance points, significantly boosting their efficiency.

"We didn't get enough offensive rebounds," Looney said. "I think we were a little stagnant defensively, which allowed them to get comfortable. The offensive rebounds made their shooting percentage go up in a hurry."

BENGAL BITES

• UVU won the rebounding battle 38–25, including 12 offensive rebounds.

• UVU outscored ISU 42–22 in the paint, the largest paint margin the Bengals have allowed this season.

• ISU shot 39.1 percent from three, making 9 three-pointers — tying the third most in a game this season.

• Van De Griend scored 16 points off the bench, including a key second-half three.

• Hollenbeck posted 17 points and 3 rebounds.

NEXT UP

Idaho State returns home to host Montana Western on Thursday, Dec. 18th at 7 p.m. followed by the UC Davis Aggies on Sunday, Dec. 21st at 4 p.m. 

Both games will be aired on ESPN+, or can listen along to the Voice of the Bengals, Scott Gross, on KISU 91.1 FM.

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