POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State men's basketball suffered its most lopsided defeat of the season Saturday night, falling 66–84 to Eastern Washington in Reed Gym. The 18-point margin marked the Bengals' worst loss of the season, as well as their lowest shooting performance from the field and second-worst night from three-point range this year.
Head coach Ryan Looney credited Eastern Washington's physicality and urgency from the opening tip. "I thought they played harder than us, especially early in the game," Looney said. "The very first possession, we lost the jump ball, they got two offensive rebounds, and scored on their third shot. I think that kind of set the tone for them the rest of the night."
Eastern Washington capitalized immediately, while Idaho State struggled to find rhythm offensively and on the glass.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Eastern Washington wasted no time asserting control, opening the game on a 19–5 run over the first 5:04. The Eagles consistently generated extra possessions, including on the opening sequence that Looney pointed to as a tone-setter. Idaho State was forced into early contested looks, while Eastern Washington converted second and third chance opportunities.
The Eagles extended their lead late in the first half with an 11–2 run between the 5:38 and 1:45 marks, pushing the margin to a first half-high 21 points. Idaho State struggled to respond, shooting just 26.7 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes while attempting 20 three-pointers. "They wanted us to stand and dribble and take contested shots late in the shot clock," Looney said. "That's what the whole first half looked like."
Eastern Washington carried a 44–21 lead into halftime, shooting efficiently and controlling the glass.
The Bengals showed improved intent coming out of the locker room. "That was a lot of the adjustment we talked about at halftime," Looney said. "Taking advantage of what they were willing to give us."
Idaho State trimmed the deficit to 14 midway through the half and again with just 9:28 remaining, but momentum swung decisively during a pivotal stretch. After a steal and a missed layup attempt by Martin Kheil at the rim, Eastern Washington responded with free throws and a three-pointer in transition, turning a potential comeback into separation. "That was a tough stretch for us," Looney said. "We thought Martin got fouled on the break, and it turned into a leak-out for them. Then a transition foul turned into an Flagrant 1, and they hit a three. That kind of put it away."
PLAYER STATS
Connor Hollenbeck led Idaho State in scoring for the sixth time this season, totalling 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, adding two rebounds. Martin Kheil finished with 12 points, knocking down four of the team's five three-pointers on the evening.
Evan Otten delivered one of the most efficient games of his career, scoring 10 points while going a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line, a new career high in made free throws. Otten added seven rebounds, and one block in 17 minutes. Looney noted Otten's growth. "He's always been a good defensive player," Looney said. "It's nice to see him progressing on the offensive end."
Lachlan Brewer added eight points, three rebounds, and one assist, while Jamison Guerra was held without a field goal but contributed six assists as Eastern Washington's ball-screen defense limited his opportunities. "I don't think it was just what happened to Jameson," Looney said. "It was what happened to our whole collective group. We just weren't where we needed to be mentally."
Off the bench, Caleb Van De Griend scored 10 points with six rebounds, while Louis Bond, Gus Etchison, Quin Patterson, Blake Daberkow, and Cheikh Sow provided spot contributions.
TEAM STATS
Idaho State finished the game shooting a season-low 37.5 percent from the field, 20.0 percent (5-25) from three-point range, and 90.5 (19-21) percent at the free-throw line. The Bengals totaled 30 rebounds, 13 assists, five steals, and committed eight turnovers.
Eastern Washington shot 48.0 percent overall and an efficient 53.3 (8-15) percent from three, while converting 82.4 (28-34) percent at the free-throw line. The Eagles finished with 28 rebounds, eight assists, five steals, and 12 turnovers, controlling the tempo and capitalizing on Idaho State's early struggles.
BENGAL BITES
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The 18-point defeat marked Idaho State's largest loss of the season.
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The Bengals recorded their lowest field-goal percentage and second-worst three-point shooting performance of the season.
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Evan Otten went 8-for-8 at the free-throw line, setting a new career high.
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Evan Otten recorded one block, tying him for 5th on the ISU All-Time Blocks list, and needs one more for career block No. 100.
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Connor Hollenbeck led the Bengals in scoring for the sixth time this season.
