POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State Men's Basketball returns to Reed Gym this week for a key Big Sky Conference home stand, hosting longtime rival Idaho on Thursday night before welcoming Eastern Washington on Saturday afternoon. The Bengals and Vandals meet Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a 4:00 p.m. tip against the Eagles on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Idaho State enters the week with a 156 NCAA NET ranking, just ahead of Idaho (161) and both teams above Eastern Washington (267), as the Bengals continue conference play in front of the home crowd.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Thursday, Jan. 15 – vs Idaho
Tipoff: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Reed Gym – Pocatello, Idaho
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: KISU 91.1 FM – Scott Gross
Live Stats: isubengals.com

Saturday, Jan. 17 – vs Eastern Washington
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 week continuing to establish itself as one of the most balanced and defensively consistent teams in the Big Sky Conference. The Bengals are allowing 73.7 points per game, ranking 4th in the Big Sky, while also sitting 2nd in the conference in blocks per game (4.4) and leading the league in bench points per game (32.0). ISU's interior presence and depth have helped the Bengals maintain physicality across the rotation, while ranking 3rd in the conference in free-throws made per game (16.5), free-throw attempts per game (22.5), and offensive rebounds per game (11.65).

Offensively, Idaho State continues to receive production throughout the lineup. Caleb Van De Griend leads the Bengals in rebounding and is 2nd on the team in scoring at 13.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, ranking 2nd in the Big Sky in total rebounds (119), 5th in rebounds per game, and 2nd in field-goal percentage (58.3%), which ranks 38th nationally. Connor Hollenbeck leads the team in scoring at 13.8 points per game, ranking 13th in the Big Sky, while sitting among league leaders in total points, three-pointers made, free throws made, and minutes played. Martin Kheil provides perimeter balance, ranking 6th in the Big Sky in three-pointers per game (2.33) and 7th in total three-pointers made (35).

At the point, Jamison Guerra remains one of the league's most reliable facilitators, ranking 3rd in the Big Sky in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.69) and 4th in total assists (78). Guerra has been on a tear offensively the past week, scoring 22+ points in back-to-back games and leading the Big Sky Conference in Field Goals Made over the past week.

Defensively, Evan Otten anchors the paint as the Big Sky leader in total blocks (30) and blocks per game (1.76), ranking 47th nationally in total blocks and 54th nationally in blocks per game.

This week's home stand also marks a unique moment in program history, as Idaho State will face two former Bengals in back-to-back games at Reed Gym for the first time. Idaho guard Kolton Mitchell, who was part of the Bengal roster during the 2023–24 season, returns to Pocatello on Thursday, followed by Eastern Washington's Kiree Huie on Saturday. Huie also spent the 2023–24 season at Idaho State before transferring to Miami and later Eastern Washington. The consecutive returns highlight the growing interconnectedness of the Big Sky and the evolution of player movement across the conference.

SCOUTING IDAHO

Idaho enters Thursday's rivalry matchup with a NET ranking of 161 and one of the most perimeter-oriented statistical profiles in the Big Sky. The Vandals lead the conference in three-point attempts per game (29.8), three-point percentage (37.4%), and three-pointers per game (11.1), while ranking 2nd in the Big Sky in turnovers per game (10.9). Idaho is averaging 81.5 points per game (4th in Big Sky) while allowing 73.5 (3rd in Big Sky), with its offensive identity built on pace, spacing, and volume shooting from deep.

Individually, Idaho is paced by Kolton Mitchell, who ranks 8th in the Big Sky in scoring (15.1 PPG), 6th in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.44), 8th in total assists (61), and 9th in assists per game (3.8). Biko Johnson adds 12.4 points per game, while Jackson Rasmussen contributes 13.8 points per game. Inside, Brody Rowbury provides efficient production at 9.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, shooting 63.5 percent from the floor.

Mitchell's return marks his second trip back to Reed Gym since transferring to Idaho following his lone season with the Bengals.

SERIES HISTORY – IDAHO

Idaho State trails the all-time series 56–62, though the Bengals hold a 35–22 record at home.

Recent results:

• 2/27/2025 – A – W, 69–65

• 2/1/2025 – H – W, 87–71

• 2/17/2024 – A – L, 55–53

• 1/18/2024 – H – W, 64–59

• 2/23/2023 – H – W, 65–55

• 1/28/2023 – A – W, 95–91

Recent trend: Idaho State is 13–2 in its last 15 meetings against the Vandals.

SCOUTING EASTERN WASHINGTON

Eastern Washington enters Saturday with a NET ranking of 267, leaning on guard play, free-throw efficiency, and defensive activity to remain competitive in Big Sky play. The Eagles are averaging 76.3 points per game while allowing 83.9, and rank 3rd in the Big Sky in turnovers forced per game (12.63).

Eastern Washington is led by Isaiah Moses, who ranks 1st in the Big Sky and 24th nationally in free-throw percentage (90.4%), 2nd in the conference in total points (280), 3rd in field goals made (101), and 7th in assists (63) while averaging 33:08 minutes per game, ranking 4th in the Big Sky. Alton Hamilton IV adds 11.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while Kiree Huie has been a defensive anchor, ranking 3rd in the Big Sky in total blocks (17) and 4th in blocks per game (1.06).

Saturday marks Huie's first return to Pocatello since departing Idaho State following the 2023–24 season.

SERIES HISTORY – EASTERN WASHINGTON

Eastern Washington leads the all-time series 54–34, though Idaho State holds a 24–19 advantage at home.

Recent results:

• 3/1/2025 – A – W, 78–54

• 1/30/2025 – H – W, 78–70

• 2/15/2024 – A – L, 88–82

• 1/20/2024 – H – L, 79–67

• 2/25/2023 – H – W, 71–63

• 1/26/2023 – A – L, 81–68

Recent trend: Idaho State has won its last two meetings with Eastern Washington. A win Saturday would tie the second-longest winning streak against EWU in program history at three straight games.

BENGAL BITES

• Caleb Van De Griend ranks 2nd in the Big Sky in FG% (58.3%), 2nd in total rebounds (119), 5th in RPG (7.0), and T-2nd in double-doubles (5)

• Connor Hollenbeck ranks 11th in the Big Sky in PPG (13.8), 8th in 3PM (33), and 11th in minutes per game (31:10)

• Jamison Guerra ranks 3rd in the Big Sky in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.69) and 4th in total assists (78)

• Evan Otten leads the Big Sky in total blocks (30) and blocks per game (1.76)

• Idaho State leads the Big Sky in bench points per game (32.0) and ranks 2nd in blocks per game (4.4)

• This week marks the first time in program history that two former Bengals return to Reed Gym in back-to-back games

NEXT UP

Following their brief 2-game homestand, the Bengals will be on the road for their longest road trip of Big Sky play. First, Idaho State will travel to Montana for a date with the Montana State Bobcats on Thursday, Jan. 22nd at 7 p.m. followed by a trip to Missoula, MT to face off against the Montana Grizzlies on Saturday, Jan. 24th at 4 p.m.

Both games 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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