Idaho State University’s men’s basketball team suffered its seventh consecutive defeat, losing 61–69 to Northern Colorado at Reed Gym on Saturday night. The Bengals have now lost nine of their last eleven games.
Head coach Ryan Looney acknowledged the strength of the opposing team, stating, “Extremely physical game, to say the least. Credit to Northern Colorado. They made a few more plays than we did.”
The first half saw both teams exchanging baskets in a closely contested and physical matchup. Idaho State relied on Evan Otten’s inside scoring and Caleb Van De Griend’s rebounding efforts. Northern Colorado maintained a slight advantage and led 36–34 at halftime.
In the second half, Idaho State briefly took control with a five-point lead due to defensive stops and effective play in the paint. Looney commented on his team’s improved defense: “We challenged our guys. I thought our effort was much better on that end of the floor tonight.” However, offensive struggles allowed Northern Colorado to regain momentum with a 16-3 run midway through the half.
Looney described this shift: “Offensively we were playing well for a portion, then we built a five-point lead in the second half and offense kind of fell apart, which led to some transition baskets for them.”
Despite cutting the deficit to five points late in the game, Idaho State could not complete a comeback.
Evan Otten finished with 11 points on 5-8 shooting, four rebounds, and one block while providing strong defense inside. Jamison Guerra contributed eight points along with four assists and three rebounds. Connor Hollenbeck added nine points, four rebounds, and achieved a career-high four steals.
Martin Kheil scored six points by making his first two three-point attempts but did not attempt another shot during the rest of the game. Lachlan Brewer recorded five points, two rebounds, and two assists.
Off the bench, Caleb Van De Griend posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds—his seventh such performance this season. Looney discussed managing his post players: “We’re always trying to balance which one to have on the floor,” he said. “Caleb gives us a little more on the offensive end, and Evan gives us more defensively with the shot blocking.”
Other contributors included Gus Etchison (six points), Louis Bond, and Quin Patterson as Idaho State utilized its depth throughout the contest.
As a team, Idaho State shot 37.3 percent from the field (22-59), 31.6 percent from three-point range (6-19), and made 72.7 percent of free throws (11-16). The Bengals totaled 29 rebounds, ten assists, seven steals (tied for third most in any game this season), three blocks, and committed seven turnovers.
Northern Colorado shot 51.9 percent from the field (28-54), including 35.3 percent from beyond the arc (6-17) and converted seven out of eight free throws (87.5%). The Bears finished with 35 rebounds, nine assists, six blocks, three steals, and had thirteen turnovers.
Idaho State limited Northern Colorado to their second lowest point total this season in what was described as an especially physical contest.
Looking ahead, Idaho State will begin its final multi-game road trip of the regular season next week against Eastern Washington Eagles in Cheney on Thursday at 7 p.m., followed by a matchup against rivals Idaho Vandals in Moscow on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Both upcoming games will be available for viewing via ESPN+ or can be heard locally through KISU 91.1 FM radio coverage by Scott Gross.
Tickets are available online at idahostate.evenue.net/list/Athl or through contact with ISU Ticket Office by phone or email.
