Idaho State University’s men’s basketball team is set to host two games at Reed Gym in Pocatello this December. The Bengals will face Montana Western on Thursday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a matchup against UC Davis on Sunday, December 21 at 4:00 p.m.
The Bengals have been focusing on defensive consistency and rebounding while maintaining balanced offensive production. They are allowing an average of 68.6 points per game and are among the leaders in the Big Sky Conference for scoring defense. Offensively, Idaho State averages 74.5 points per game with a field goal percentage above 46 percent. Multiple players contribute double-digit scoring performances, and bench depth has helped maintain tempo throughout games.
As of December 15, Idaho State holds an NCAA NET ranking of 111 and a KenPom ranking of 160, making them the second-highest ranked team in the Big Sky Conference for NET rating this season.
Key contributors include Caleb Van De Griend and Connor Hollenbeck in the frontcourt, Martin Kheil providing perimeter scoring, Jamison Guerra managing ball distribution, and Evan Otten anchoring the defense inside.
Montana Western brings a physical style that emphasizes play near the basket, offensive rebounding, and controlling tempo to limit transition opportunities. Their defensive approach focuses on contesting shots around the rim and forcing opponents into half-court sets.
UC Davis comes into Pocatello with a balanced offense built on ball movement and spacing. The Aggies are ranked 172 in NCAA NET and rely on efficiency rather than speed to generate offense. Nils Cooper leads their scoring efforts with support from Connor Sevilla’s shooting and Brayden Fagbemi’s point guard play; Niko Rocak provides rebounding and rim protection inside.
In previous meetings between Idaho State and UC Davis, Idaho State leads the series 3–1 overall but lost their most recent encounter in November 2020 by a score of 70–61.
Against Montana Western, Idaho State has dominated historically with a record of 60–3 overall including wins in every meeting since 2012.
Several Bengals rank among conference leaders: Caleb Van De Griend is second in field-goal percentage (62.5%) within the Big Sky Conference; Connor Hollenbeck ranks fourth in three-pointers made; Jamison Guerra is third in assist/turnover ratio; Martin Kheil stands fourth in three-point percentage; Evan Otten leads total blocks within the conference.
Idaho State also leads its conference in bench points per game (33.45), scoring defense (68.6), and fewest fouls per game (16.1). They are second in blocks per game (4.4) and third for offensive rebounds per game (12).
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