POCATELLO, Idaho - Idaho State knocked off Big Sky Conference leader Montana State, 79–60, on Thursday night at Reed Gym, using a high pressure defense and some of the most efficient offense this season to control the game and hand the Bobcats their first league loss of the season. Idaho State moves to 12-6 (5-2) while the Bobcats fall to 13-5 (6-1). The Bengals shot 58 percent from the field, held Montana State to 32 percent shooting, and built a double-digit halftime lead before pulling away in the second half.
Head coach Seton Sobolewski said the tone was established immediately. "We came out with a ton of defensive pressure," he said. "That's just kind of our style of play lately. This team is better at turning people over and being aggressive, and tonight we had people put in the right amount of effort to make it work."
How It Happened
Montana State opened the game with early pace, scoring the first six points to take a 6–0 lead at the 7:07 mark of the first quarter. Idaho State responded by increasing ball pressure and forcing the Bobcats out of rhythm. "That was kind of our game plan going in," Kacey Spink said. "They're a high-energy team, and we felt like we could do that to them too."
The pressure began to translate into offense as the quarter progressed. At 1:39, Cam Collman knocked down a three-pointer to tie the game at 17–17 following a forced turnover, stopping Montana State's early momentum. Idaho State continued to close the quarter aggressively. With 46 seconds remaining, Aspen Caldwell split a pair of free throws to give the Bengals a 20–17 edge, and Tylie Jones capped the period with a block at the buzzer at 0:00 to preserve the lead.
Idaho State carried that defensive intensity into the second quarter, consistently converting stops into quick offense. After a Montana State turnover at 7:12, the Bengals capitalized with a score in the paint at 6:58, extending the lead. Moments later, continued pressure produced another empty possession, and Idaho State pushed the margin to 27–20 at 6:44 as the Bengals controlled tempo. "Their press was really good, so we had to trust each other and take care of the ball," Jones said. "Once we did that, we could play faster."
The Bengals held Montana State to just 13 points in the second quarter, steadily building separation. Spink anchored the effort on both ends, finishing the half with strong rebounding and perimeter shooting. "Stats like rebounding and forcing turnovers, that's all energy based," Spink said. "It's about wanting the ball more and everybody being connected." Idaho State entered halftime with a 39–30 lead after outscoring the Bobcats 19–13 in the period.
Montana State briefly trimmed the deficit early in the third quarter, but Idaho State responded immediately. A turnover at 6:45 sparked the Bengals' most decisive stretch of the night. Beginning at 6:27, Idaho State rattled off a 7–0 run, fueled by defensive rebounds and quick outlets, stretching the lead to 46–32. Head coach Seton Sobolewski pointed to the approach against the Bobcats' pressure. "We wanted to break the press and then attack," he said. "We didn't want bad shots, but we wanted to be aggressive."
Idaho State continued to impose its will on the glass throughout the quarter. The Bengals closed the third period on a second-chance basket by Asa Wolfram at 0:26, pushing the lead to 59–40 while holding Montana State to just 10 points in the frame.
Montana State attempted to generate momentum in the fourth quarter, but Idaho State answered with composure. A defensive stop at 8:41 led directly to a Bengal score at 8:18, stalling any potential run. "Our energy level and our wanting to win the game kind of overcame everything," Sobolewski said. Idaho State later built its largest lead of the night, 22 points, at the 2:09 mark, and closed out the 79–60 victory without allowing the Bobcats back within striking distance.
Bengal Bites
- Idaho State earned its 40th all-time win over Montana State, moving the series to 40–52 overall and 25–17 at home.
- The 19-point victory tied for Idaho State's third-largest margin of victory over the Bobcats since 2000 and marked the Bengals' largest win since a 31-point victory over Omaha on Dec. 3.
- Kacey Spink finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, recording her third double-double of the season. Her 17 points were a season high and her most since scoring 22 against Portland State on Feb. 20, 2025.
- Spink also knocked down three three-pointers, a career high.
- Cam Collman scored seven points, her season high against a Division I opponent.
- Aspen Caldwell set a new season's best with 15 points on five-of-seven shooting
- Idaho State posted a +17 rebounding margin, its fifth game this season with a 15+ rebound advantage.
- The Bengals made 30 field goals, a season high against a Division I opponent.
Up Next
Idaho State is home for a Big Sky clash with the Montana Lady Griz. Tip is set for 2:00 PM MT and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and KISU.
