POCATELLO, Idaho — The Idaho State Bengals continue a four-game homestand Saturday, hosting the Weber State Wildcats at 2:00 p.m. MT on January 31 at Reed Gym in Big Sky Conference play. The contest marks the third of four consecutive home games for the Bengals during a key stretch of conference action.
Idaho State enters the matchup with a 12–7 overall record and a 5–3 mark in league play. The Bengals are coming off a 70–67 overtime loss to Montana on January 24 and return to Reed Gym looking to respond as conference play moves deeper into the schedule.
What to Watch
Saturday's matchup gives Idaho State a chance to continue building momentum at home while leaning into the defensive identity that has defined the Bengals through the first half of conference play. Idaho State leads the Big Sky in scoring defense at 58.8 points per game and has held opponents to 36.5 percent shooting from the field, also best in the conference.
That defensive consistency has been paired with strong rebounding and activity in passing lanes. Idaho State ranks third in the Big Sky at 39.4 rebounds per game, owns a +7.7 rebounding margin, and averages 10.6 steals per game as part of an aggressive, disruptive defensive approach.
Scouting the Opponent
Weber State enters Saturday's contest at 6–15 overall and 0–8 in Big Sky play as the Wildcats navigate a rebuilding season. Weber State has dropped eight straight games, most recently a 92–72 loss to Montana State, and is 1–9 in true road games this year.
Offensively, the Wildcats lean on Antoniette Nnopu, a transfer from UNC-Greensboro. The Australian forward averages 14 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting 54 percent from the field, 34 percent from three-point range, and 78 percent at the free-throw line. Lanae Billy provides perimeter scoring, shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc and 78 percent at the line, and is coming off a 6-for-6 performance from three against Montana State.
As a team, Weber State shoots 76 percent from the free-throw line, a notable strength, but ball security has been a challenge. Hannah Robbins enters the game with 58 assists and 74 turnovers, highlighting turnover issues in the backcourt. Defensively, the Wildcats feature size in the frontcourt, led by 6-foot-4 Nicole Willardson, but have worked to find consistency amid injuries and limited availability across the roster.
Statistical Trends
Idaho State's defensive numbers continue to set the Bengals apart within the conference. The league-leading scoring defense and field-goal percentage defense are supported by consistent rebounding and active defensive pressure. Weber State's efficiency at the free-throw line contrasts with its turnover struggles, making possession control a key factor in the matchup.
Key Players to Watch
Idaho State
Tasia Jordan leads the Bengals in scoring at 15.1 points per game, ranking fifth in the Big Sky. Piper Carlson anchors the interior, averaging 7.9 rebounds per game, third in the conference, while leading Idaho State in total rebounds. Kacey Spink fills the stat sheet with averages of 8.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while ranking among conference leaders in steals.
Weber State
Antoniette Nnopu remains the focal point of the Wildcats' offense with her consistent scoring and rebounding production. Lanae Billy provides shooting on the perimeter and can change games quickly when finding rhythm from three-point range.
Series History
Idaho State holds a 51–50 advantage in the all-time series against Weber State. The Bengals have won 14 of the last 16 meetings and eight of the last 10 overall. During the 2024–25 season, the teams met three times, with Weber State winning both regular-season meetings in overtime before Idaho State responded with a 62–42 victory in the Big Sky Tournament quarterfinals on March 10, 2025, in Boise.
Bengal Bites
• Idaho State ranks first in the Big Sky Conference in scoring defense at 58.8 points per game.
• Opponents are shooting 36.5 percent from the field against the Bengals, best in the conference.
• Idaho State ranks third in the Big Sky in rebounds per game at 39.4.
• The Bengals own a +7.7 rebounding margin, fourth in the conference.
• Idaho State averages 10.6 steals per game, ranking third in the Big Sky.
• Tasia Jordan ranks fifth in the conference in scoring at 15.1 points per game.
