Idaho State University’s men’s basketball team is set to host two key Big Sky Conference games at Reed Gym this week. The Bengals will face longtime rival Idaho on Thursday, January 15 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a matchup against Eastern Washington on Saturday, January 17 at 4:00 p.m.
The Bengals currently hold an NCAA NET ranking of 156, which places them just ahead of Idaho (161), with both teams ranked above Eastern Washington (267). These home games come as the Bengals continue their conference schedule in front of local fans.
Idaho State has established itself as one of the more balanced and defensively strong teams in the Big Sky Conference. The team allows an average of 73.7 points per game, ranking fourth in the conference, and is second in blocks per game with an average of 4.4. They also lead the league in bench points per game (32.0). In other statistical categories, Idaho State ranks third in free throws made per game (16.5), free throw attempts per game (22.5), and offensive rebounds per game (11.65).
Offensively, production has come from across the lineup. Caleb Van De Griend leads the team in rebounding and is second in scoring with averages of 13.4 points and 7 rebounds per game; he ranks second in total rebounds and field-goal percentage within the conference, placing him among national leaders as well. Connor Hollenbeck leads Idaho State with 13.8 points per game and appears among conference leaders for several offensive statistics including three-pointers made and minutes played. Martin Kheil contributes perimeter shooting strength, ranking sixth in three-pointers made per game.
Point guard Jamison Guerra ranks third in assist-to-turnover ratio within the Big Sky Conference and fourth overall for assists; he has recently scored over 22 points in consecutive games while leading the league for field goals made last week.
Defensively, Evan Otten anchors play inside as leader for total blocks (30) and blocks per game (1.76) both within the conference and nationally.
This week’s games mark a notable moment for Idaho State’s program history: it will be the first time that two former Bengal players return to Reed Gym as opponents during back-to-back games—Kolton Mitchell now plays for Idaho after spending last season with ISU, while Kiree Huie transferred from Idaho State to Miami before joining Eastern Washington.
Idaho enters Thursday’s rivalry contest featuring a perimeter-focused style—they lead the Big Sky Conference in three-point attempts, percentage, and makes—and are paced by Kolton Mitchell who is among league leaders for scoring and assists metrics.
Historically, Idaho leads their all-time series against Idaho State by a narrow margin but trails when playing at Reed Gym; however, recent results have favored ISU with a record of thirteen wins out of their last fifteen meetings against Idaho.
Eastern Washington arrives Saturday relying on guard play along with free-throw efficiency; Isaiah Moses stands out nationally for his free-throw shooting percentage while contributing significantly to scoring totals alongside teammates Alton Hamilton IV and Kiree Huie—a defensive presence since transferring from ISU.
Eastern Washington holds an all-time series advantage over ISU but trails when playing on their opponent’s court; recent matchups have seen ISU win its last two encounters against EWU.
Following these home contests, Idaho State will embark on its longest road trip during Big Sky play this season—facing Montana State Bobcats on January 22nd followed by Montana Grizzlies on January 24th—with both games available via ESPN+ or local radio coverage through KISU 91.1 FM.
Tickets are available online through idahostate.evenue.net/list/Athl or by contacting the ISU Ticket Office directly at (208) 282-4093 or joyerin@isu.edu.
