POCATELLO, Idaho - Idaho State earned a pivotal Big Sky Conference road win Saturday afternoon, defeating Northern Colorado 73–69 at the Bank of Colorado Arena to strengthen its position in the league standings. In a matchup between two teams separated by one game in the conference race, the Bengals executed late and closed the game at the free-throw line to improve to 16–7 overall and 9–3 in Big Sky play.
How It Happened
Northern Colorado struck first, opening the game with a three-pointer and building a 5–2 advantage midway through the first quarter. Idaho State responded with interior scoring from Kacey Spink and Piper Carlson, but the Bears maintained a narrow edge and led 17–14 after one.
The Bengals took control in the second quarter with their most efficient stretch of the game. Idaho State opened the period with an 11–2 run, sparked by defensive stops and transition opportunities. Aspen Caldwell converted at the rim off a turnover and later added free throws as the Bengals continued to apply pressure. Idaho State outscored Northern Colorado 23–12 in the quarter and carried a 37–29 lead into halftime after holding the Bears without a field goal for more than four minutes late in the period.
Northern Colorado answered out of the break, shooting efficiently in the third quarter and using a 10–2 run to swing momentum. The Bears briefly took the lead behind perimeter shooting, but Idaho State stayed within striking distance with baskets from Carlson and Alyse Aby. Despite being outscored 25–15 in the quarter, the Bengals trailed just 54–52 entering the fourth.
The fourth quarter proved to be the deciding stretch in a tightly contested game. Idaho State reclaimed the lead early in the period on a Kacey Spink turnaround jumper, but Northern Colorado responded, setting the tone for a back-and-forth final 10 minutes. The quarter featured six lead changes and five ties as neither team led by more than two possessions. With the game tied at 69, Piper Carlson scored through contact for a layup to put Idaho State in front, then returned to the line on the next possession and knocked down two free throws to extend the lead to four. Idaho State finished 15-of-17 at the free-throw line and forced Northern Colorado into contested shots in the closing seconds to secure the 73–69 road victory.
Bengal Bites
- This is the 23rd time under Head Coach Seton Sobolewski the Bengals have had a game winning bucket with 30 seconds or less.
- This is Piper Carlsons' first game-winner.
• Piper Carlson scored the final six points of the game, finishing through contact for a layup before converting two free throws on the next possession to seal the win.
• Kacey Spink finished with 20 points and knocked down four three-pointers, a career high. Her 20 points were a season-high
• Aspen Caldwell contributed across the stat sheet, providing steady ball control and helping fuel Idaho State's second-quarter run.
• Idaho State placed multiple players in double figures and shot 43 percent from the field.
• The Bengals went 15-of-17 from the free-throw line, including clutch makes in the final minute.
• Idaho State outscored Northern Colorado 23–12 in the second quarter.
• The Bengals held a 14–6 advantage in second-chance points.
• Idaho State finished with an 11–6 edge in fast-break points.
• The win improved Idaho State to 16–7 overall and 9–3 in Big Sky Conference play.
Next Up
The Bengals are back home for a pair of vital Big Sky games next week. First, the EWU Eagles are in town for the 2026 Pink Game as we Play4Kay. Tip is set for 7:00 PM on Thursday. Then It's the 2nd round of the King Spud Rivalry as the Vandals come to Reed Gym. Idaho State vs Idaho tips off at 2:00 PM in Reed Gym on Saturday.
