POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State honored six seniors Saturday afternoon inside Reed Gym, but Weber State spoiled Senior Day with an 83–73 victory over the Bengals.
Prior to tipoff, Idaho State recognized Connor Hollenbeck, Jamison Guerra, Caleb Van De Griend, Blake Daberkow, Gus Etchison, and Kasen Carpenter for their contributions to the program. The group helped engineer a home sweep of the Montana schools last week and played a key role in the Bengals' late-season push.
Weber State improved to 16-14 overall and 10-7 in Big Sky play, while Idaho State moved to 12-18 and 5-12 in conference action.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
Idaho State struck first when Guerra buried a three-pointer just 21 seconds into the contest off an assist from Hollenbeck, giving the Bengals an early spark. Caleb Van De Griend provided an early highlight, throwing down a dunk off a feed from Etchison to keep the game tight in the opening minutes.
The teams traded baskets through the first 10 minutes, with Guerra knocking down another three to cut the deficit to one at 19–18. Weber State began to gain separation midway through the first half, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and pushing the tempo in transition. The Wildcats built a nine-point advantage before Etchison converted a layup and free throw at the buzzer to trim the deficit to 38–32 at halftime.
In the second half, Weber State extended its lead to double figures behind efficient shooting. Idaho State responded with interior scoring from Hollenbeck and Van De Griend, cutting the deficit to nine at 53–44 with 13:09 remaining after a Van De Griend layup off an Etchison assist.
The Wildcats answered with a decisive run, pushing the lead back to 15 and maintaining control down the stretch. Hollenbeck continued to attack the paint late, and Guerra knocked down a three with just over two minutes remaining, but Idaho State could not fully close the gap.
PLAYER STATS
Connor Hollenbeck led Idaho State with 15 points and six rebounds on 7-of-12 shooting, consistently finishing through contact in the paint. Jamison Guerra added 13 points, six rebounds, and three three-pointers in 20 minutes. Lachlan Brewer totaled five points, six rebounds, and two steals, while Evan Otten contributed two points and four blocks in nine minutes.
The Idaho State bench provided a strong lift once again, led by
Caleb Van De Griend and
Gus Etchison. Van De Griend posted 15 points and eight rebounds on 6-of-12 shooting, continuing his consistent interior production. Etchison matched him with 15 points, seven assists, and two three-pointers, while
Blake Daberkow added five points and a block.
Cheikh Sow chipped in three points and three rebounds.
Idaho State's reserves combined for 38 points in the loss
TEAM STATS
Idaho State shot 39.1 percent (27-69) from the field, 33.3 percent (7-21) from three, and 70.6 percent (12-17) from the free-throw line. The Bengals finished with 35 rebounds, 11 assists, seven blocks, six steals, and six turnovers committed.
Weber State shot 51.7 percent (30-58) overall, 40.0 percent (8-20) from three, and 78.9 percent (15-19) from the free-throw line while out-rebounding Idaho State 37–35. The WIldcats would tally 10 assists, three blocks, four steals, and committed nine turnovers.
UP NEXT
Idaho State caps off their 2025-26 regular season at Sacramento State on Monday, March 2nd in Sacramento, California. Tipoff between the Bengals and Hornets is set for 8 p.m. MT.
The winner of the contest will finish as the 8 seed in the Big Sky, and the loser will finish as the 9th or 10th.
