MISSOULA, Montana – The Idaho State Bengals fell 60–69 on the road Saturday night at Dahlberg Arena, as the Montana Grizzlies used a decisive second-half run to pull away.

The loss marked Idaho State's fifth defeat in its last seven games and continued a recent shooting skid, as the Bengals posted their worst field-goal percentage of the season, their fourth-lowest free-throw percentage, and their third-lowest scoring output of 2025–26. Idaho State has now recorded three of its four worst shooting performances of the season over the last three games.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Idaho State kept pace early, trading baskets through the opening stretch and finishing the first half within striking distance at 30–35. Connor Hollenbeck carried the offensive load early, scoring from all three levels and helping the Bengals stay connected despite limited team shooting efficiency.

The Bengals opened the second half with momentum and cut the Montana lead to just two points at the 16:48 mark, trimming the deficit to 37–35. From there, however, the game swung sharply in the home team's favor.

Montana answered with a 15–0 run over the next 4:50, stretching its advantage to 52–35 and effectively putting the game out of reach. During that stretch, Idaho State struggled to convert open looks while Montana capitalized on second-chance opportunities and timely perimeter shots.

Idaho State battled down the stretch and continued to compete on the defensive end, but the early second-half surge proved too much to overcome as Montana closed out the 69–60 victory.

PLAYER STATS

Hollenbeck turned in a strong all-around performance for the Bengals, leading Idaho State with 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting while adding seven rebounds and tying his career high with three steals. His effort helped keep the Bengals competitive despite the team's shooting struggles.

Lachlan Brewer added 12 points and six rebounds, while Martin Kheil finished with nine points, two rebounds, and two assists. 

Jamison Guerra tallied three points, three rebounds, and one steal, and the final Bengal starter, Evan Otten, would record two rebounds and one block in just 10 minutes of action.

Off the bench Blake Daberkow would led the charge contributing nine points, a career high seven rebounds, one block, and one assist in a career high 21 minutes of play. Gus Etchison, Quin Patterson, Cheikh Sow, and Caleb Van De Griend would also all provide the Bengals with valuable minutes off the bench.

TEAM STATS

Idaho State shot a season-low 36.2% (21-58) from the field, 32.0% (8-25) from three, and just 66.7% (10-15) at the free-throw line, numbers that reflected the continued offensive difficulties. The Bengals totaled 37 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, five steals, and committed 13 turnovers.

Montana finished the night at 47.4% (27-57) shooting, including 50.0% in the second half, while holding the Bengals to just one made three after halftime, 31.8% (7-22) from 3-point range, and 88.9% (8-9) from the charity stripe. The Griz would end their night with 34 rebounds, 16 assists, four blocks, six steals, and committed 11 turnovers.

The Grizzlies' 69 points were the sixth-fewest they have scored this season and their third-lowest total in Big Sky play, underscoring Idaho State's defensive effort despite the result.

BENGAL BITES

• The Bengals' 60 points marked their third-lowest scoring game of the 2025–26 season.

• Idaho State has recorded three of its four worst shooting performances of the season over the last three games.

• Connor Hollenbeck's 18 points marked his highest scoring output since scoring 19 vs. Portland State on Jan. 3rd.

• Connor Hollenbeck has led the team in scoring in 7 of their 21 games (33.3%).

• Lachlan Brewer has now scored in double figures in 8 of the Bengals' 21 contests this season.

• Montana's 69 points were their sixth-lowest output overall and third-lowest in Big Sky play this season. 

NEXT UP

Idaho State looks to finish off their four game road trip with road games at Weber State in Ogden, UT on Saturday, Jan. 31st at 1 p.m., followed with a quick turnaround for their Monday night game in Portland, OR against Portland State on Monday, Feb. 2nd at 8 p.m. MT.

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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