POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State men's basketball leaned into its identity in the second half Thursday night, using rebounding, interior scoring, and depth to pull away from Montana Western for an 80–64 victory at Reed Gym. The Bengals outscored the Bulldogs 32–12 in the paint and won the rebounding battle 37-24, turning a competitive opening half into a comfortable finish.
Despite the final margin, Montana Western stayed within striking distance by capitalizing on mistakes, scoring 24 points off 12 Idaho State turnovers, a number that kept the Bulldogs involved deep into the contest.
Head coach Ryan Looney credited the Bulldogs for challenging his team throughout the night.
"I was really impressed with Montana Western," Looney said. "They've got good size, a good point guard, and the ability to shoot it from three. They exposed some things for us that we need to keep working on."
HOW IT HAPPENED
Idaho State established early momentum, opening the game with physical interior play. The Bengals went on a 6–0 run beginning at the 18:20 mark of the first half, capped by finishes from Evan Otten and Connor Hollenbeck, to grab an early multi-possession lead.
The Bengals would find themselves up 20-15 before bursting on a 15-2 run, taking a 35-17 lead at the 6:22 mark of the first half.
Montana Western continued to pressure the ball and the glass late in the half. The Bulldogs closed the final six minutes on a 16-6 run, cutting into ISU's lead and evening the rebounding margin at 15–15 by halftime, with Idaho State holding a 41–33 advantage at the break.
"We had some problems rebounding late in the first half," Looney said. "They put in number 21, and he really changed the game for them."
The Bulldogs answered once more after halftime, outscoring the Bengals, 16-7, in the first five minutes of the 2nd, giving the Bulldogs a one-point advantage.
Idaho State responded with its most decisive stretch of the game. The Bengals went on a 15–2 run, built on defensive rebounds, paint finishes, and free throws. The run stretched the lead to double digits and effectively put the game out of reach.
"That's where we fixed it more and more as the game went on," Looney said. "We started winning possessions."
From there, Idaho State controlled tempo and closed the game at the free-throw line, preventing Montana Western from stringing together another extended run and sealing the 16-point victory.
PLAYER STATS
Idaho State's starters delivered a balanced effort. Connor Hollenbeck led the Bengals with a game-high 18 points, converting all eight of his free-throw attempts while adding six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal in 37 minutes. Jamison Guerra finished with a season-high 14 points, four assists, two rebounds, and two steals, attacking effectively out of ball-screen actions.
"We knew we could get to the mid-range," Guerra said. "Our bigs set really good screens, and that was part of the game plan."
Evan Otten anchored the interior with eight points, eight rebounds, tying a season high with four blocks, and two steals, impacting the game defensively while continuing to grow offensively.
"When Evan can give us a punch on offense and anchor us defensively," Looney said, "it makes us much more potent."
Lachlan Brewer added five points, seven rebounds, and one assist, while Martin Kheil contributed six points, two assists, one rebound, and a steal.
Off the bench for the Bengals, Caleb Van De Griend was a major factor, scoring 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting with six rebounds, one assist, and a block. Gus Etchison yet again delivered instant offense for the Bengals, delivering 10 points in nine minutes, including two made threes. Cheikh Sow, Quin Patterson, and Blake Daberkow added valuable minutes for Ryan Looney & Co.
"That depth matters," Guerra said. "We trust every guy that steps on the floor."
TEAM STATS
Idaho State shot 50.0 percent from the field (28–56), 35.3 % from three-point range (6-17), and 78.3 percent from the free-throw line (18–23). The Bengals won the rebounding battle 37–24, including outrebounding UMW in the second-half margin by 13, and dominated the interior with 32 points in the paint.
Turnovers remained the primary concern, as Montana Western converted 12 ISU turnovers into 24 points, many coming off live-ball situations.
"Ball security has to be a big thing for us," Looney said. "The best teams don't give those opportunities away."
BENGAL BITES
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Idaho State outscored Montana Western 32–12 in the paint
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The Bengals won the second-half rebounding battle by 13
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Connor Hollenbeck led the Bengals in scoring the 5th time in 12 games this season
- Connor Hollenbeck ties season high in scoring for 4th time this season (18 points)
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Jamison Guerra scores a new season high (14)
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Lachlan Brewer tied his season high in rebounds (7)
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Evan Otten ties his season high in blocks (4)
- Idaho State improved to 7–5 overall
NEXT UP
Idaho State plays in their final non-conference game of the 2025-26 season, hosting the UC Davis Aggies on Sunday, Dec. 21st at 4 p.m.
The game 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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