POCATELLO, Idaho – After a tough fought non-conference slate, Idaho State WBB opens 2025-26 Big Sky Conference play, traveling to Sacramento State on Wednesday, Jan. 1, followed by a matchup at Portland State on Friday, Jan. 3. Tipoff against Sacramento State is set for 7:30 p.m. MT, with the contest at Portland State scheduled for 3:00 p.m
Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+. There will only be KISU coverage of the Saturday game with Portland State.
Idaho State enters the conference slate with a 7–4 overall record following non-conference action that included road wins at Grand Canyon, Cal Poly, and Utah Valley, along with victories over Portland and Omaha and home wins against Westminster (UT) and UC Irvine. The Bengals closed non-conference play on a two-game winning streak, carrying momentum into the start of league competition.
Jan. 1 - 7:30 PM MT - ISU at Sac State: Watch | Live Stats
Jan. 3 - 3:00 PM MT - ISU at Portland State: Watch | Listen | Live Stats
Headed into Conference
Idaho State opens conference play following a non-conference schedule in which the Bengals outscored opponents by an average of 7.7 points per game. Through 11 games, Idaho State is averaging 64.7 points per game while holding opponents to 57.0. The Bengals have relied on balance across the lineup, strong rebounding, and defensive pressure to generate scoring opportunities and control game flow heading into Big Sky action.
Scouting the Hornets
Sacramento State enters Big Sky play 6-7 with DI wins over Nevada, UC San Diego, Long Beach State and Cal State Fullerton. The Hornets are averaging 68.2 points per game while allowing 59.8, shooting 43.1 percent from the field and 29.7 percent from three-point range. Sacramento State averages 39.8 rebounds per game and has been active defensively, averaging 9.7 steals and 4.5 blocks per contest. The Hornets have shown an ability to limit scoring opportunities while protecting the paint, placing an emphasis on rebounding and defensive disruption. Sacramento State is led offensively by Rubi Gray and Natalie Picton, with Picton also contributing among the team leaders in assists and steals, while Keanna Salave'a anchors the rebounding effort.
Scouting the Vikings
Portland State enters conference play with a 4–8 with wins over San Jose State, UMKC and Seattle U. The Vikings are averaging 66.2 points per game while allowing 74.3, shooting 38.7 percent from the field and 28.9 percent from three-point range. Portland State averages 37.6 rebounds per game and has relied on defensive pressure to create possessions, forcing 17.8 turnovers per contest. Offensively, the Vikings are led by Kyleigh Brown, who averages 18.3 points per game, with Hannah Chicken providing additional scoring and rebounding support. Portland State utilizes pressure defense to generate transition opportunities, while rebounding consistency has been an area of focus entering conference play.
Team Trends
Idaho State has held opponents to 36.4 percent shooting from the field while shooting 39.9 percent offensively. The Bengals hold a plus-10.0 rebounding margin, averaging 40.1 rebounds per game compared to 30.1 by opponents. Idaho State also averages 10.2 steals per game and has forced 18.8 turnovers per contest.
Sacramento State averages 68.2 points per game while allowing 59.8, with a plus-8.5 scoring margin. The Hornets average 39.8 rebounds per game and rank among conference leaders in blocks per game.
Portland State averages 66.2 points per game and forces 17.8 turnovers per contest, while allowing opponents to shoot 44.3 percent from the field.
Players to Watch
Idaho State
Tasia Jordan leads Idaho State in scoring at 16.2 points per game while shooting 44.7 percent from the field. Piper Carlson averages 11.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds per game, shooting 53.7 percent from the floor. Kacey Spink contributes 7.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while leading the team with 30 steals.
Sacramento State
Rubi Gray leads the Hornets in scoring at 14.8 points per game. Natalie Picton averages 12.3 points per game while contributing across the stat sheet in assists and steals. Keanna Salave'a leads Sacramento State on the glass at 6.2 rebounds per game.
Portland State
Kyleigh Brown leads the Vikings with 18.3 points per game. Hannah Chicken averages 10.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest, providing a presence in the frontcourt.
Series Histories
Idaho State vs Sacramento State
Idaho State and Sacramento State have met 58 times in a series that dates back to the 1996–97 season. The Bengals hold a 46–12 advantage in the all-time series, including a 22–3 record at home, a 21–7 mark on the road, and a 1–2 record at neutral sites. Idaho State has won three of the last five meetings overall, including a 50–41 road win in Sacramento during the 2024–25 season. The two programs have met four times in Big Sky Tournament play, with Idaho State holding a 2–2 record in postseason matchups.
Idaho State vs Portland State
Idaho State and Portland State have met 68 times in a series that dates back to the 1980–81 season. The Bengals hold a 44–24 advantage in the all-time series, including a 26–7 record at home, a 15–15 mark on the road, and a 3–2 record at neutral sites. Idaho State has won four of the last six meetings overall, including an 89–80 road win in Portland during the 2024–25 season. The two programs have met three times in Big Sky Tournament play, with Idaho State holding a 2–1 advantage in postseason matchups.
Bengal Bites
• Idaho State enters Big Sky play with a 7–4 overall record.
• The Bengals hold a plus-7.7 scoring margin through 11 games.
• Idaho State averages 40.1 rebounds per game, holding a plus-10.0 rebounding margin.
• Idaho State averages 10.2 steals per game and has forced 207 turnovers this season.
• Tasia Jordan leads the team in scoring at 16.2 points per game.
• Piper Carlson leads Idaho State in rebounding at 8.5 per game.
• Kacey Spink leads the team with 30 steals through 11 games.
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