KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Idaho State used its most balanced scoring effort of the season and a dominant second-half shooting surge to earn a 68–59 road victory at UMKC on Wednesday night at the Swinney Center. The Bengals placed five players in double figures, overcame a chilly start from three-point range, and rode the interior presence of Caleb Van De Griend, who posted his third double-double of the year with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The win moves Idaho State to 5–4 overall, marking another step forward during a demanding early-season road slate.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Bengals fought uphill early as both teams traded missed shots and physical defensive possessions. Idaho State could not buy a triple in the opening half, finishing 0-for-13 from three and shooting just 36.7 percent overall before halftime. Despite the frigid perimeter shooting, strong efforts around the rim from Van De Griend, Brewer, and Guerra kept ISU within striking distance as the Bengals trailed only 29–25 at the break.

Everything changed in the second half.

Idaho State erupted offensively, shooting 55.56 percent from the field and 46.67 percent from three over the final 20 minutes. The comeback started with back-to-back threes from Martin Kheil and Lachlan Brewer, followed by a deep make from Jamison Guerra that tied the score at 34–34 and reset the momentum.

From there, ISU controlled the pace. Hollenbeck's go-ahead three at the 8:54 mark gave the Bengals their first lead of the second half, and Kheil's putback and perimeter shooting helped extend the margin. Van De Griend took over inside, scoring six points in the final four minutes to help Idaho State maintain separation.

The Bengals outscored UMKC 43–30 in the second half, turning a cold start into one of their most complete closing stretches of the season.

PLAYER STATS

Idaho State's starting lineup delivered across the board. Connor Hollenbeck finished with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including two key threes and a pair of late free throws to seal the win. Lachlan Brewer added 11 points, five rebounds, and two assists while providing essential defensive stops on the wing. Martin Kheil scored 10 points, pulled down five rebounds, and added two assists and a steal, recovering from a tough first half to become one of ISU's most important second-half shot makers. Jamison Guerra matched Kheil with 10 points of his own, going 4-of-7 from the field and adding five assists, three rebounds, and a steal. Evan Otten quietly anchored the interior in 17 minutes with three points, six rebounds, a steal, and three blocks, and strong rim protection.

And off the bench for the Bengals, Caleb Van De Griend powered ISU with 14 points and 10 rebounds on 7-for-11 shooting, securing his third double-double of the season and again establishing himself as one of the Big Sky's most productive paint scorers. Blake Daberkow chipped in six points on efficient 2-for-3 shooting with a rebound, an assist, and a steal. Cheikh Sow added two points, two rebounds, two steals, and a block, while Quin Patterson and Gus Etchison provided key rotation minutes.

TEAM STATS

Idaho State shot 45.6 percent from the field for the game and overcame an 0–13 first-half performance from deep by finishing 7-for-28 (25 percent) after a red-hot second-half surge. The Bengals outrebounded UMKC 37–27, won the points in the paint battle, 38–30, and recorded 15 second-chance points off 15 offensive rebounds. ISU also distributed the ball well, finishing with 14 assists on 26 made shots while forcing 13 UMKC turnovers.

Defensively, the Bengals held the Roos to 22-of-50 shooting (44 percent) and just 3-of-13 from three. ISU limited UMKC's bench to only six total points and held the Roos' leading scorer to eight second-half points.

BENGAL BITES

• Idaho State had five players in double figures for the third time this season.

• ISU shot 55.56 percent from the field and 46.67 percent from three in the second half after opening 0-for-13 from deep in the first.

• Van De Griend recorded his third double-double of the year (14 pts, 10 reb).

• ISU won the boards 37–27, marking their seventh game this season with a rebounding advantage.

NEXT UP

Idaho State will turn their sights to the second leg of the Big Sky vs. Summit League Challenge. The Bengals will return home to host the University of Denver Pioneers on Saturday, Dec. 6th at 4 P.M. in Reed Gym. 

The Bengals' game versus Denver will be aired on ESPN+. You can listen along to the Voice of the Bengals, Scott Gross, for the game on KISU 91.1 FM.

SUPPORT THE BENGALS

Fans can purchase tickets at idahostate.evenue.net/list/Athl. The ISU Ticket Office can be reached at (208) 282-4093 or joyerin@isu.edu.

FOLLOW THE BENGALS

Stay connected with Bengal Basketball all season long. Follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for highlights, updates, and behind-the-scenes content.