Idaho State University’s men’s basketball team experienced its most significant loss of the season on Saturday night, falling 66–84 to Eastern Washington at Reed Gym. The defeat marked an 18-point margin, which was the Bengals’ largest this year. It also represented their lowest shooting percentage from the field and their second-worst performance from three-point range this season.
Head coach Ryan Looney attributed the loss to Eastern Washington’s energy and physical play from the outset. “I thought they played harder than us, especially early in the game,” Looney said. “The very first possession, we lost the jump ball, they got two offensive rebounds, and scored on their third shot. I think that kind of set the tone for them the rest of the night.”
Eastern Washington started strong with a 19–5 run in just over five minutes at the beginning of the game. Idaho State struggled to establish momentum both offensively and in rebounding.
The Eagles increased their advantage late in the first half with an 11–2 run, leading by as many as 21 points before halftime. Idaho State shot only 26.7 percent from the field during those opening 20 minutes and attempted 20 three-pointers. “They wanted us to stand and dribble and take contested shots late in the shot clock,” Looney said. “That’s what the whole first half looked like.”
At halftime, Eastern Washington led 44–21 after efficient shooting and controlling rebounds.
After halftime, Idaho State made some adjustments but was unable to close the gap significantly. “That was a lot of the adjustment we talked about at halftime,” Looney said. “Taking advantage of what they were willing to give us.” The Bengals reduced Eastern Washington’s lead to 14 points twice in the second half but could not sustain momentum after key plays by Eastern Washington turned potential comeback opportunities into further separation on the scoreboard.
Connor Hollenbeck led Idaho State with 15 points on six-of-nine shooting along with two rebounds—his sixth time leading team scoring this season. Martin Kheil contributed 12 points including four three-pointers out of five total for Idaho State.
Evan Otten scored ten points while making all eight free-throw attempts—a career high—and added seven rebounds plus one block in his 17 minutes on court. Looney commented on Otten’s development: “He’s always been a good defensive player,” Looney said. “It’s nice to see him progressing on the offensive end.”
Lachlan Brewer added eight points while Jamison Guerra recorded six assists despite being held scoreless due to Eastern Washington’s defense limiting his opportunities. Looney noted it was a collective issue: “I don’t think it was just what happened to Jameson,” he said. “It was what happened to our whole collective group. We just weren’t where we needed to be mentally.”
Caleb Van De Griend came off bench for ten points and six rebounds; other players provided spot contributions.
As a team, Idaho State finished with a season-low shooting percentage (37.5 percent), went five-for-25 from beyond arc (20 percent), but converted well at free-throw line (90.5 percent). They had thirty rebounds, thirteen assists, five steals, and eight turnovers.
Eastern Washington shot forty-eight percent overall—including over fifty-three percent from three-point range—and eighty-two percent at free throws; they collected twenty-eight rebounds along with eight assists and twelve turnovers.
Notable statistics included Evan Otten tying for fifth place on ISU’s all-time blocks list; he needs one more block for his hundredth career block.
