POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State Men's Basketball returns to Reed Gym for a December homestand, welcoming Montana Western on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7:00 p.m., before hosting UC Davis on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4:00 p.m. The Bengals enter the week continuing a strong non-conference stretch, while both opponents bring contrasting styles into Pocatello.
HOW TO FOLLOW
v.s. Montana Western
Tipoff: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Reed Gym – Pocatello, Idaho
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: KISU 91.1 FM – Scott Gross
Live Stats: isubengals.com
v.s. UC Davis
Tipoff: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Reed Gym – Pocatello, Idaho
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: KISU 91.1 FM – Scott Gross
Live Stats: isubengals.com
IDAHO STATE TEAM OVERVIEW
Idaho State enters the homestand continuing to solidify an identity built on defensive consistency, rebounding, and balanced offensive production. The Bengals are allowing just 68.6 points per game and remain among the conference leaders in scoring defense, while also controlling the glass and protecting the paint. Idaho State has been particularly effective at forcing turnovers without overextending defensively, creating additional possessions while limiting high-percentage looks.
Offensively, ISU is averaging 74.5 points per game while shooting over 46 percent from the field. The Bengals have relied on balance rather than isolation scoring, featuring multiple players capable of producing double-digit performances on any given night. Depth has also been a strength, with consistent bench production allowing Idaho State to maintain tempo throughout games.
Idaho State enters the week with an NCAA NET ranking of 111 and a KenPom ranking of 160 as of Dec. 15th, 2025. The Bengals currently hold the 2nd highest NET ranking in the Big Sky Conference, continuing a historic rise in national efficiency metrics this season.
ISU continues to receive strong production from Caleb Van De Griend and Connor Hollenbeck in the frontcourt, while Martin Kheil provides perimeter scoring and Jamison Guerra anchors the offense with steady ball distribution. Evan Otten remains a presence defensively, helping Idaho State protect the rim and control the interior.
SCOUTING MONTANA WESTERN
Montana Western enters Thursday's matchup looking to impose a physical, interior-oriented style of play. The Bulldogs emphasize paint touches, offensive rebounding, and controlled tempo, aiming to shorten possessions and limit transition opportunities. Montana Western is most effective when it can dictate pace and generate second-chance points, while defensively focusing on contesting shots around the rim and forcing opponents into half-court execution.
Idaho State's ability to stretch the floor offensively and maintain rebounding discipline will be central to Thursday's contest, particularly against a Montana Western team that prefers to keep games compact and physical.
SCOUTING UC DAVIS
UC Davis arrives in Pocatello with a balanced offensive approach built on ball movement, spacing, and depth. The Aggies are ranked 172 in the NCAA NET and 189 in KenPom as of Dec. 15th, 2025, and have relied on efficiency rather than pace to generate offense. UC Davis spreads scoring across its rotation and looks to control tempo while limiting turnovers.
The Aggies are led offensively by Nils Cooper, with Connor Sevilla providing perimeter shooting and Brayden Fagbemi offering steady point guard play. Inside, Niko Rocak anchors the interior with rebounding and rim protection. UC Davis will challenge Idaho State with disciplined offensive execution and depth throughout its lineup.
SERIES HISTORY – UC DAVIS
Idaho State holds a 3–1 all-time advantage against UC Davis, including a 2–0 record at home and a 1–1 mark on the road. The most recent meeting came on Nov. 28, 2020, a 70–61 UC Davis win in Davis.
Recent Results
11/28/2020 – A – L, 61–70
2006–07 – H – W, 76–49
2005–06 – A – W, 75–68
1982–83 – H – W, 102–72
SERIES HISTORY – MONTANA WESTERN
Idaho State has dominated the all-time series against Montana Western, holding a 60–3 overall advantage. The Bengals are 36–1 at home, 20–2 on the road, and 4–0 at neutral sites. Idaho State has won every meeting against the Bulldogs since 2012.
Recent Results
12/6/2022 – H – W, 61–53
11/14/2019 – H – W, 80–48
11/29/2018 – H – W, 74–66
12/2/2014 – H – W, 86–66
11/29/2012 – H – W, 70–52
BENGAL BITES
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Caleb Van De Griend is 2nd in the Big Sky in field-goal percentage (62.5%) (28th in NCAA), 5th in FGM (60), 3rd in total rebounds (75), 6th in rebounds per game (6.8), 5th in total points (158), 10th in PPG (14.4), and is tied for 2nd in double-doubles (3).
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Connor Hollenbeck ranks 16th in the Big Sky in points per game (13.3), 4th in three-pointers made (25), and 6th in three-pointers per game (2.27).
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Jamison Guerra ranks 3rd in the Big Sky in assist/turnover ratio (3.2), ranking 50th nationally, and sits 5th in the conference in total assists (48) and 5th in assists per game (4.4).
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Martin Kheil ranks 19th in the Big Sky in scoring (11.7 PPG), 4th in three-point percentage (35.8%), 4th in three-pointers per game (2.67), and 6th in total threes made (24).
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Evan Otten leads the Big Sky in total blocks (18) and blocks per game (1.64), ranking 59th in total blocks & 75th in blocks per game.
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Idaho State leads the Big Sky in bench points per game (33.45) (35th in the NCAA), scoring defense (68.6), and fouls per game (16.1), while ranking 2nd in blocks per game (4.4) & 3rd in the conference in offensive rebounds per game (12.0).
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Idaho State enters the week with an NCAA NET ranking of 111, the 2nd highest-rated team in the Big Sky Conference, continuing a historic rise in national efficiency metrics (as of Dec. 12th, 2025)
