POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State Men's Basketball continues Big Sky Conference play with a road swing this week, traveling to Cheney, Washington, for a Thursday night matchup at Eastern Washington before closing the trip on Saturday with a rivalry Valentine's Day showdown at Idaho. The Bengals face the Eagles on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7:00 p.m. MT, before taking on the Vandals on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 3:00 p.m. MT.
Idaho State enters the week with a NET ranking of 216, while Idaho sits at 171 and Eastern Washington at 237.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Thursday, Feb. 12 – at Eastern Washington
Tipoff: 7:00 p.m. MT
Location: Reese Court – Cheney, Wash.
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: KISU 91.1 FM – Scott Gross
Live Stats: isubengals.com
Saturday, Feb. 14 – at Idaho
Tipoff: 3:00 p.m. MT
Location: ICCU Arena – Moscow, Idaho
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: KISU 91.1 FM – Scott Gross
Live Stats: isubengals.com
IDAHO STATE TEAM OVERVIEW
Idaho State enters the week continuing to rely on depth, interior defense, and balanced scoring as cornerstones of its identity. The Bengals lead the Big Sky in bench points per game (28.8) and rank 2nd in the conference in blocks per game (4.3), while also sitting 5th in scoring defense (74.6 points allowed). ISU ranks inside the league's top four in offensive rebounds per game (10.76), free-throw attempts per game (21.4), and turnovers per game (11.1), consistently winning the possession battle.
Individually, Caleb Van De Griend remains one of the league's most efficient frontcourt players, ranking 4th in the Big Sky in total rebounds (166), 6th in rebounds per game (6.6), 16th in total points (305), and tied for 1st in double-doubles (7). Connor Hollenbeck continues to provide steady production on the wing, ranking 12th in the conference in points per game (13.7) while sitting T-15th in three-pointers made (39) and T-17th in three-pointers per game (1.6).
Point guard Jamison Guerra remains one of the league's most efficient facilitators, leading the Big Sky and 48th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.82), along with 4th in total assists (110). Martin Kheil supplies perimeter spacing, ranking 4th in the conference in three-pointers per game (2.52) and 4th in three-point percentage (38.2%), while Evan Otten anchors the defense, leading the Big Sky in total blocks (46) and blocks per game (1.84).
SCOUTING EASTERN WASHINGTON
Eastern Washington enters Thursday's matchup with a NET ranking of 237, leaning heavily on offensive efficiency and perimeter scoring. The Eagles rank 3rd in the Big Sky in offensive rebounds per game (10.79), 4th in blocks per game (2.8), and 5th in three-point percentage (35.7%), showcasing a ball-movement offense that thrives on spacing and shot selection.
Isaiah Moses leads Eastern Washington offensively, ranking 5th in the Big Sky in scoring (17.5 points per game) while also ranking 7th nationally among ranked players in free-throw percentage (92.5%). Inside, Alton Hamilton IV provides rebounding presence, ranking 10th in the conference in total rebounds (144) and 9th in rebounds per game (6.0). Kiree Huie, a former Idaho State Bengal from the 2023–24 season, adds another inside body on both ends, ranking 2nd in the Big Sky in blocks (27) and 17th in scoring (12.6 PPG).
Eastern Washington averages 76.3 points per game, ranking 8th in the conference in scoring offense, and has been inconsistent defensively, ranking 9th in scoring defense (80.9).
SERIES HISTORY – EASTERN WASHINGTON
Eastern Washington leads the all-time series 55–34, including a 34–9 advantage in Cheney.
Recent Results:
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1/17/2026 – H – L, 84–66
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3/1/2025 – A – W, 78–54
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1/30/2025 – H – W, 78–70
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2/15/2024 – A – L, 88–82
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1/20/2024 – H – L, 79–67
Idaho State won two straight meetings prior to the most recent matchup and swept the season series last year.
SCOUTING IDAHO
Idaho enters Saturday's rivalry matchup with a NET ranking of 171 and one of the most perimeter-oriented offenses in the Big Sky. The Vandals lead the conference in three-pointers made per game (10.3) and three-point attempts per game (28.9), while ranking 4th in scoring offense (79.0 points per game) and 4th in rebounds per game (36.58).
Kolton Mitchell, a former Idaho State Bengal from the 2023–24 season, leads Idaho offensively, ranking 11th in the Big Sky in scoring (14.0 PPG), 7th in total assists (93), and 4th in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.27). Biko Johnson adds scoring punch and defensive pressure, ranking 15th in the conference in scoring (13.0 PPG) and 6th in steals (32).
Defensively, Idaho ranks 3rd in the Big Sky in defensive rebounds per game (26.29) and 5th in free-throw percentage (74.8%), relying on physicality and transition offense to generate scoring runs.
SERIES HISTORY – IDAHO
Idaho leads the all-time series 62–57, including a 27-18 advantage in Moscow.
Recent Results:
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1/15/2026 – H – W, 76–68
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2/7/2025 – A – W, 69–65
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2/1/2025 – H – W, 87–71
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2/17/2024 – A – L, 55–53
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1/18/2024 – H – W, 64–59
Idaho State is 10–1 in its last 11 meetings against the Vandals and 14–2 in the last 16 matchups overall.
BENGAL BITES
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ISU leads the Big Sky in bench points per game (28.8) and blocks per game (4.3)
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Caleb Van De Griend is tied for the lead in the Big Sky in double-double's (7)
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Evan Otten leads the Big Sky in total blocks (46) and blocks per game (1.84)
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Jamison Guerra leads the Big Sky in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.82) and 4th in total assists (110)
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Martin Kheil ranks 3rd in three-pointers made (58) and 4th in three-point percentage (38.2%)
