Idaho State University’s men’s basketball team lost in overtime to Portland State 87–93 at Reed Gym on Saturday. The game marked the Bengals’ first overtime contest in nearly a year, their last coming against Northern Colorado on January 4, 2025.
Despite a strong offensive performance and four players scoring in double figures, Idaho State was unable to secure the win either in regulation or during overtime. Head coach Ryan Looney credited Portland State for their late-game execution, saying, “They had a heck of a week, two games where they were down late and found a way to win,” and added that Idaho State “played pretty good for about 38 minutes, and then when it came time to win the game, we didn’t execute.”
With this result, Idaho State moved to an overall record of 8–7 and 1–1 in Big Sky Conference play. Portland State improved its record to 8–5 overall and 2–0 in conference games.
The Bengals began the game with efficient offense. Connor Hollenbeck started the scoring with a three-pointer early in the first half. Idaho State led by as many as nine points before taking a seven-point advantage into halftime.
In the second half, Idaho State extended its lead with contributions from Martin Kheil and Lachlan Brewer but saw Portland State respond by attacking inside and generating second-chance points. With just over three seconds left in regulation, Portland State tied the score on a three-pointer after trailing by three.
During overtime, Portland State quickly built momentum with an early run and closed out the victory at the free-throw line.
Individually for Idaho State, Martin Kheil set a new career high with 20 points and contributed four assists. Jamison Guerra recorded his own career-best with 10 assists while helping guide Idaho State’s offense. Connor Hollenbeck posted his highest scoring output of the season with 19 points along with six rebounds. Lachlan Brewer added another 17 points and six rebounds.
Off the bench, Caleb Van De Griend registered his fifth double-double of the season by tallying 17 points and grabbing ten rebounds. Cheikh Sow finished with four points, four rebounds, and three steals during his time on court.
Team statistics showed Idaho State shooting 45 percent from the field—including making thirteen three-pointers—and committing ten turnovers. However, missed free throws proved significant; Looney commented that missing key opportunities from the line “probably could have ended the game.” The Bengals shot just under sixty-seven percent from free throws (20-of-30).
Portland State shot over fifty-three percent from the field while converting twenty-two of twenty-six free throws (over eighty-four percent). They also outscored Idaho State significantly in points scored inside (48–28) while committing only eight turnovers.
Idaho State will begin its conference road schedule next week against Northern Colorado on Thursday followed by Northern Arizona on Saturday. Both games are available for viewing via ESPN+ or can be heard locally on KISU radio.
Fans interested in attending future home games can purchase tickets through idahostate.evenue.net/list/Athl or contact ISU’s ticket office directly at (208) 282-4093 or joyerin@isu.edu.
