POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State Men's Basketball opens Big Sky Conference play this week, welcoming Sacramento State on Thursday night before hosting Portland State on Saturday afternoon inside Reed Gym. Thursday's matchup tips at 7:00 p.m., followed by a 4:00 p.m. tip on Saturday as the Bengals begin league action at home.
Idaho State enters conference play carrying a 126 NCAA NET ranking, the highest among Big Sky programs, as the Bengals look to translate a strong non-conference resume into early momentum in league play.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Thursday, Jan. 1 vs Sacramento State
Tipoff: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Reed Gym – Pocatello, Idaho
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: KISU 91.1 FM – Scott Gross
Saturday, Jan. 3 vs Portland State
Tipoff: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Reed Gym – Pocatello, Idaho
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: KISU 91.1 FM – Scott Gross
IDAHO STATE TEAM OVERVIEW
Idaho State enters Big Sky play with a well-defined identity built on defensive efficiency, depth, and interior production. The Bengals rank 2nd in the Big Sky in scoring defense, allowing just 70.2 points per game, while also leading the conference in blocks per game (4.4) and bench points per game (33.5). Nationally, ISU sits, 67th in blocks per game, and 44th in bench scoring, reflecting the balance across the rotation.
Offensively, Idaho State is averaging 75.6 points per game while shooting 46.5 percent from the field, ranking among the top half of the conference in efficiency. The Bengals are also 3rd in the Big Sky in offensive rebounds per game (11.9) and own a +4.7 rebound margin, creating consistent second-chance opportunities.
Individually, Caleb Van De Griend continues to anchor the frontcourt, ranking 3rd in the Big Sky in field-goal percentage (60.7%), 3rd in total rebounds (87), 7th in rebounds per game (6.7), and 3rd in total points (188). Connor Hollenbeck adds perimeter and interior versatility at 13.9 points per game, ranking 9th in the Big Sky in made three-pointers (26). Martin Kheil provides consistent shooting from the perimeter, ranking 5th in three-point percentage (35.0%) and 3rd in three-pointers per game (2.55).
At the point, Jamison Guerra ranks 5th in the Big Sky in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.62), ranking 87th nationally, while Evan Otten anchors the defense as the conference leader in blocks (18) and blocks per game (1.69).
SCOUTING SACRAMENTO STATE
Sacramento State enters Big Sky play at 4–8 with a roster built around experienced guards and scoring balance. The Hornets average 76.6 points per game, ranking top-5 in the Big Sky, and shoot 33.2 percent from three, while also ranking top-3 in the conference in blocks per game (4.3).
The Hornets are led by Prophet Johnson, who ranks 2nd in the Big Sky in scoring at 16.5 points per game, while also leading Sacramento State in rebounds (8.9 RPG) and steals (2.7 SPG). Mikey Williams adds 14.8 points and 5.5 assists per game, ranking top-5 in the Big Sky in assists, while logging nearly 35 minutes per contest. Jeremiah Cherry provides interior presence, averaging 15.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, and ranks top-10 in the conference in blocks.
From the perimeter, Jahni Summers ranks top-5 in the Big Sky in three-point percentage (50.8%), knocking down 2.5 threes per game, while Sacramento State's offense features four players averaging double figures.
SERIES HISTORY – SACRAMENTO STATE
Idaho State holds a 34–28 all-time advantage over Sacramento State, including a 19–12 mark at home against the Hornets.
Recent Results vs Sacramento State
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2/22/2025 – H – W, 83–66
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1/23/2025 – A – L, 75–71
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2/8/2024 – H – W, 68–40
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1/13/2024 – A – L, 66–64
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2/18/2023 – A – L, 70–65
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1/19/2023 – H – W, 65–61
Sacramento State enters the week with a NET ranking of 258.
SCOUTING PORTLAND STATE
Portland State enters league play with a physical, fast-paced style, averaging 80.2 points per game, ranking in the top half in the Big Sky in scoring offense. The Vikings also rank top-4 in the conference in rebounding margin (+5.7) and are the conference leaders offensive rebounds per game (13.1), creating consistent pressure in transition and on the glass.
The Vikings are led by Jaylin Henderson, who ranks 4th in the Big Sky in scoring, averaging 17.0 points per game, while also ranking 3rd in the conference in free throws made and 6th in free throw attempts. Tre-Vaughn Minott ranks 2nd in the Big Sky in rebounds per game (7.7), while Portland State features multiple players ranked top-10 in assists, steals, and rebounds.
Defensively, Portland State leads the Big Sky in turnovers forced per game (14.45) and steals per game (8.0), while also ranking top-3 in scoring defense (70.5), creating one of the league's most aggressive defensive profiles.
SERIES HISTORY – PORTLAND STATE
Portland State leads the all-time series 39–25, though Idaho State has won three of the last five meetings, and hold a 17-13 record against the Vikings when playing in Pocatello.
Recent Results vs Portland State
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2/20/2025 – H – W, 82–74
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1/25/2025 – A – L, 76–59
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2/10/2024 – H – W, 68–65
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1/11/2024 – A – W, 69–63
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2/16/2023 – A – L, 79–70
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1/21/2023 – H – L, 72–65
Portland State enters the week with a NET ranking of 181.
BENGAL BITES
NEXT UP
Idaho State will continue their early Big Sky Conference schedule with their first road trip in almost a month, traveling to Greeley, CO to face off against league-leading Northern Colorado on Thursday, Jan. 8th at 7 p.m., followed by heading to Flagstaff, AZ to take on Northern Arizona where the Bengals have won their last 9 in a row. The last time Idaho State lost in Flagstaff came nearly a decade ago, on Feb. 18th, 2016.
Both games will be aired on ESPN+, or can listen along to the Voice of the Bengals, Scott Gross, on KISU 91.1 FM.
SUPPORT THE BENGALS
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