BOISE, Idaho — Idaho State pushed the top seed to the brink Sunday evening, but ultimately fell to No. 1 seed Portland State 78-85 in the Big Sky Conference Tournament quarterfinals at Idaho Central Arena.
Despite the loss, the Bengals delivered an impressive performance against the tournament's top seed behind standout efforts from Gus Etchison, Caleb Van De Griend, Louis Bond, and Connor Hollenbeck.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bengals battled Portland State evenly throughout the opening half. Idaho State answered several early Viking runs, with Louis Bond scoring inside and Connor Hollenbeck finishing in the paint to give the Bengals an early lead.
Caleb Van De Griend provided a spark off the bench midway through the half, knocking down a three-pointer and later tying the game with a jumper as Idaho State kept pace with the conference's top seed.
Gus Etchison also made an immediate impact when he entered the game, leading the 20th ranked bench in the NCAA by hitting a three-pointer and attacking the lane to keep the Bengals within striking distance.
After trading baskets throughout the final minutes of the half, Etchison knocked down a pair of free throws to tie the score at 36-36 heading into halftime.
Portland State opened the second half with a short run, but Idaho State continued to respond. Van De Griend scored inside and Hollenbeck added a basket in the paint to keep the Bengals within one possession early in the period.
Midway through the half, Etchison caught fire offensively. The junior guard scored on consecutive possessions and drilled a three-pointer to briefly give Idaho State the lead.
Portland State eventually regained control behind strong scoring from Terri Miller Jr., building a double-digit advantage in the final minutes.
The Bengals continued to battle late, as Van De Griend recorded back-to-back putbacks and Etchison knocked down a late three-pointer, but Portland State held on to secure the 85-78 victory.
PLAYER STATS
Louis Bond recorded his first career double-double with 13 points and a team-high 10 rebounds while also adding two blocks in his second ever start. Connor Hollenbeck would end his final collegiate game with eight points, three rebounds, one steal, and one assist. Jamison Guerra ended the day with two points, four assists, and two rebounds, while Eavn Otten put up six points, four rebounds, and one block. The final Bengal starter, Martin Kheil, would tally five points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
Gus Etchison led Idaho State's bench with 20 points on 6-of-13 shooting while adding three three-pointers and four assists in an outstanding offensive performance. Caleb Van De Griend was highly efficient, finishing with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting while pulling down eight rebounds and knocking down two three-pointers. Lachlan Brewer put up six points and one rebound, and Blake Daberkow would record four points, one rebound, and one block.
TEAM STATS
Idaho State shot 45.6 percent from the field (26-of-57), 30.4 percent (7-of-23) from deep, knocking down seven three-pointers, and 67.9 percent (19-of-28). The Bengals would end the game 37 rebounds, 11 assists, four blocks, three steals, and committed 12 turnovers.
Idaho State outrebounded Portland State 37-33 and received a major boost from its bench, which scored 44 of the team's 78 points.
Portland State shot 44.4 percent (24-of-54) from the floor, 33.3 percent (5-of15) from beyond the arc, and capitalized at the free throw line, converting 32-of-48 attempts (66.7%), which proved to be a key difference in the game. The Vikings would end the game with 33 rebounds, 10 assists, nine steals, two blocks, and committed just four turnovers.
BENGAL BITES
• Idaho State finishes the 2025-26 season with a 13-20 overall record.
• Gus Etchison led Idaho State with 20 points and four assists.
• Louis Bond recorded his first career double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds in his second career start.
• Caleb Van De Griend added 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting with eight rebounds.
• Idaho State's bench produced 44 points in the game.
The Bengals close the season after a strong late push that included winning three of their last five contests, a Big Sky Tournament victory, and a competitive battle against the conference's top seed.
