GREELEY, Colorado – Idaho State Men's Basketball continues Big Sky Conference play this week with a two-game road swing, beginning Thursday night at Northern Colorado before traveling south to Flagstaff for a Saturday matchup with Northern Arizona. The Bengals face the Bears in Greeley on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 6:00 p.m., followed by a 6:00 p.m. tip against the Lumberjacks on Saturday, Jan. 10.
Idaho State enters the week with a 137 NCAA NET ranking, the highest in the Big Sky Conference, while Northern Colorado sits at No. 150 and Northern Arizona at No. 282.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Thursday, Jan. 8 – at Northern Colorado
Tipoff: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Bank of Colorado Arena – Greeley, CO
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: KISU 91.1 FM – Scott Gross
Live Stats: isubengals.com
Saturday, Jan. 10 – at Northern Arizona
Tipoff: 6:00 p.m.
Location: J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome – Flagstaff, AZ
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: KISU 91.1 FM – Scott Gross
Live Stats: isubengals.com
IDAHO STATE TEAM OVERVIEW
Idaho State enters the road trip continuing to establish itself as one of the most balanced and defensively consistent teams in the Big Sky Conference. The Bengals are allowing 72.6 points per game, ranking 3rd in the Big Sky, while also sitting 2nd in the conference in blocks per game (4.5) and leading the league in bench points per game (32.33). ISU's interior presence and depth have helped the Bengals maintain physicality across the rotation while ranking 3rd in the conference in turnovers per game (11.6) and free-throw attempts per game (22.5).
Offensively, Idaho State continues to receive production throughout the lineup. Caleb Van De Griend leads the Bengals at 14.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, ranking 2nd in the Big Sky in total rebounds (109), 4th in rebounds per game, and 2nd in field-goal percentage (60.1%), which ranks 33rd nationally. Connor Hollenbeck adds 14.4 points per game, ranking 11th in the Big Sky, while sitting among league leaders in total points, three-pointers made, free throws made, and minutes played. Martin Kheil provides perimeter balance, ranking 3rd in the Big Sky in three-pointers per game (2.62) and 5th in three-point percentage (36.6%).
At the point, Jamison Guerra remains one of the league's most reliable facilitators, ranking 3rd in the Big Sky in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.73) and 4th in total assists (71). Defensively, Evan Otten anchors the paint as the Big Sky leader in total blocks (26) and blocks per game (1.73), ranking 50th nationally in total blocks and 65th nationally in blocks per game. Idaho State's depth continues to separate the Bengals, as ISU leads the league in bench scoring while maintaining efficiency and defensive discipline across the rotation.
SCOUTING NORTHERN COLORADO
Northern Colorado enters Thursday with a NET ranking of 150 and one of the Big Sky's most efficient perimeter-oriented offenses. The Bears are led by Zach Bloch, who ranks 1st in the Big Sky in three-point percentage (53.7%), 1st in total three-pointers made, and among conference leaders in three-point attempts. Quinn Denker orchestrates the offense, ranking 1st in the Big Sky in assists per game, while also sitting near the top of the conference in total assists and minutes played.
Inside, Brock Wisne provides efficiency and scoring balance, ranking Top 5 in the Big Sky in field-goal percentage while contributing consistent rebounding. Northern Colorado ranks among the Top 3 teams in the conference in offensive efficiency metrics, creating a contrast between the Bears' perimeter execution and Idaho State's defensive structure.
SERIES HISTORY – NORTHERN COLORADO
Idaho State holds a 40–33 all-time advantage over Northern Colorado, though the Bears have held an edge in Greeley, where ISU is 17–20 all-time.
Recent results:
-
2/3/2025 – H – L, 86–72
-
1/4/2025 – A – L, 93–92 (OT)
-
3/10/2024 – N – W, 83–76
-
3/2/2024 – H – L, 81–79
-
2/1/2024 – A – L, 91–86 (2OT)
SCOUTING NORTHERN ARIZONA
Northern Arizona enters Saturday's matchup with a NET ranking of 282, but the Lumberjacks remain one of the Big Sky's most disruptive defensive teams. NAU ranks 1st in the conference in steals per game (8.), and 3rd in turnover margin (+1.7) & turnovers forced per game (13.53). Offensively, Northern Arizona ranks 2nd in the Big Sky in 3-point field-goal percentage (38.0%), ranking 28th nationally.
The Lumberjacks are led by Zack Davidson, who ranks 1st in the Big Sky in field goal percentage (61.7%) and 13th in the Big Sky in PPG, averaging 14.0 a game. Traivar Jackson and Ryan Abelman anchor the interior, both leading the team, averaging 4.7 RPG.
SERIES HISTORY – NORTHERN ARIZONA
Idaho State holds a 64–58 all-time advantage over Northern Arizona, though the series has been tightly contested in Flagstaff, where ISU is 23–31 all-time. The Bengals have found recent success in the Walkup Skydome, winning nine consecutive games at NAU.
Recent results:
BENGAL BITES
-
Caleb Van De Griend ranks 2nd in the Big Sky in FG% (60.1%) (33rd NCAA), 5th in FGM (83), 2nd in total rebounds (109), 4th in RPG (7.3), 8th in total points (217), 10th in PPG (14.5), T-7th in blocks (12), and is T-2nd in double-doubles (5)
-
Connor Hollenbeck ranks 11th in the Big Sky in PPG (14.4), 9th in total points (216), 7th in 3PM (33), 8th in 3PM per game (2.2), 8th in FT% (79.1%), 6th in FTM (53), T-12th in blocks (9), and 10th in minutes per game (31:14)
-
Jamison Guerra ranks 3rd in the Big Sky in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.73) (77th NCAA), 4th in total assists (71), and 5th in assists per game (4.7)
-
Martin Kheil ranks 3rd in the Big Sky in 3PM per game (2.62), 6th in total threes made (34), and 5th in three-point percentage (36.6%)
-
Evan Otten leads the Big Sky in total blocks (26) and blocks per game (1.73), ranking 50th nationally in total blocks and 65th nationally in blocks per game
-
Idaho State leads the Big Sky in bench points per game (32.33) (41st NCAA) and fouls per game (17.0), while ranking 2nd in blocks per game (4.5) and 3rd in turnovers per game (11.6), free-throw attempts per game (22.5), and scoring defense (72.6)
-
Idaho State held Cal State Northridge to 20.8% shooting on Nov. 28, the lowest FG% ever allowed by ISU against a Division I opponent and the 3rd-lowest FG% in an NCAA game this season
-
Idaho State currently holds a 137 NCAA NET ranking, the highest in the Big Sky Conference
