POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State men's basketball delivered one of its most productive offensive performances of the season Saturday afternoon, but late-game execution and free-throw struggles proved costly as the Bengals fell to Portland State 87–93 in overtime at Reed Gym. The contest marked Idaho State's first overtime game in 364 days, dating back to a 92–93 loss at Northern Colorado on Jan. 4, 2025.
Despite shooting efficiently and placing four players in double figures, Idaho State was unable to close the game in regulation or overtime. Head coach Ryan Looney credited Portland State for its composure late, noting the Vikings "had a heck of a week, two games where they were down late and found a way to win," while adding that Idaho State "played pretty good for about 38 minutes, and then when it came time to win the game, we didn't execute."
Idaho State moved to 8–7 overall and 1–1 in Big Sky play, while Portland State improved to 8–5 overall and 2–0 in conference action.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bengals came out sharp offensively, spacing the floor and attacking from multiple angles. Connor Hollenbeck opened the scoring with a three-pointer at the 19:15 mark of the first half, setting the tone for a strong offensive half. Idaho State steadily built momentum behind ball movement and perimeter shooting.
A 10-3 run over a 3:58 stretch late in the first half, capped by back-to-back free throws from Hollenbeck at the 0:48 mark, extended the Bengals' lead to 36–27. Portland State trimmed the margin in the closing seconds, but Idaho State carried a 36–29 advantage into halftime.
Idaho State pushed the lead early in the second half with one of its best stretches of the game. A 14–6 run from the 18:55 to 15:53 mark, highlighted by nine points from Martin Kheil and a pair of free throws from Lachlan Brewer, gave the Bengals a 51–36 cushion.
Portland State responded by attacking the paint and generating second-chance points, slowly cutting into the lead. A 7–0 Viking run between the 9:17 and 8:24 marks brought the game back within reach, and the margin continued to shrink as the final minutes approached.
With Idaho State leading 78–75 following free throws from Brewer at the 0:13 mark, Portland State tied the game on a three-pointer with just over three seconds remaining.
In overtime, Portland State opened with an 8-1 run over the first 2:30, swinging momentum decisively. Idaho State answered with a Hollenbeck three at the 2:08 mark, but the Vikings closed the game at the free-throw line, finishing 7-of-8 from the charity stripe in the final 2:30 over overtime.
PLAYER STATS
Idaho State's offensive execution featured several standout performances. Martin Kheil turned in a breakout night, setting a new career high with 20 points, knocking down five three-pointers and consistently stretching the defense to go along with four assists, and one steal. Jamison Guerra controlled the tempo throughout the game, recording a career-high 10 assists while helping Idaho State shoot over 45 percent from the field, to pair with four points & three rebounds.
Connor Hollenbeck delivered his most productive scoring night of the season, finishing with a season-high 19 points, while adding six rebounds and two assists. Lachlan Brewer added 17 points and six rebounds, providing timely scoring on both ends. And the final Bengal starter, Evan Otten, chipped in four points and two rebounds while anchoring the interior defensively.
Off the bench for the Bengals Caleb Van De Griend continued his steady presence inside, posting his fifth double-double of the season with 17 points, a team-high 10 rebounds, and two blocks. Cheikh Sow had one of his better games on the season, finishing with four points, four rebounds, and three steals in 19 minutes of action. Gus Etchison, Louis Bond, and Blake Daberkow also provided Idaho State with valuable minutes on the hardwood.
TEAM STATS
Idaho State finished the game shooting 45.0 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from three-point range, knocking down 13 triples, their 3rd most in a game this season, in one of its most efficient offensive performances of the season. The Bengals totaled 18 assists, 32 rebounds, and five steals, while committing 10 turnovers.
Free-throw shooting loomed large. Idaho State went 20-of-30 (66.7 percent) at the line, including a stretch late in regulation where the Bengals went 1-of-4, missed opportunities Looney said "probably could have ended the game."
Portland State shot 53.3 percent from the field, 33.3 percent (7-21) from three, and 84.6 percent at the free-throw line, converting 22-of-26 foul shots. The Vikings finished with 28 rebounds, 16 assists, six steals, and committing just eight turnovers, their second lowest amount in any game this season, while outscoring Idaho State 48–28 in the paint.
BENGAL BITES
• The game marked Idaho State's first overtime contest in 364 days, dating back to Jan. 4, 2025 at Northern Colorado.
• Idaho State followed up their 94 point outburst on Thursday night with an 87 point performance today, marking the first time Idaho State has scored 85+ points in back-to-back games since they did it against Southern Utah & Northern Arizona on Feb. 2nd and 4th during the 2016-17 season.
• Martin Kheil set a new career high with 20 points.
• Jamison Guerra recorded a career-high 10 assists.
• Caleb Van De Griend posted his fifth double-double of the season.
• Connor Hollenbeck scored a season-high 19 points.
• Idaho State knocked down 13 three-pointers (3rd most in any game this season), shooting over 40 percent from deep.
NEXT UP
Idaho State faces their first road test of conference play, traveling to Greeley, CO to take on the Northern Colorado Bears on Thursday, Jan. 8th, tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. Their second game of their quick two game road trip will be in Flagstaff, AZ against Northern Arizona, where Idaho State has won the last nine meetings in a row in the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome against the Lumberjacks. Tip is scheduled for 6 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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