Idaho State University’s men’s basketball team will begin its participation in the third annual Big Sky vs Summit League Challenge with two games this week. The Bengals, currently holding a 4–4 record, will face Kansas City (UMKC) on Wednesday, December 3 at the Swinney Center in Missouri. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Mountain Time and fans can follow the action via the Summit League Network or KISU radio.
Head Coach Ryan Looney commented on the team’s approach: “We continue to build an identity rooted in defensive consistency, rebounding, and efficient shot selection across our deep lineup.” Key contributors so far include Connor Hollenbeck, Caleb Van De Griend, Martin Kheil, Jamison Guerra, and a bench unit that has provided significant depth.
Kansas City enters the matchup with a 1–6 record after playing a challenging schedule that included games against Texas and TCU. The Roos are led by guard U’Riyah Evans, who averages 13.3 points per game while shooting nearly 47 percent from the field. Jayson Petty adds 12.6 points per game and leads the team in steals, while Karmello Branch is their top three-point shooter with 16 made shots from beyond the arc this season. Inside play is anchored by Jerome Palm and Chris Dockery, but overall offensive efficiency has been an issue for Kansas City as they average just over 40 percent shooting from the field.
Historically, Idaho State holds a perfect record against Kansas City at 4-0 overall and 2-0 when playing in Missouri. This marks their first meeting since 2022.
After Wednesday’s road game, Idaho State returns home to Reed Gym on Saturday to host Denver at 4 p.m. Mountain Time. That game will be available on ESPN+ and KISU radio.
Denver arrives with a 2–5 record but features one of the Summit League’s leading scorers in Carson Johnson (18.1 points per game). He is supported by Gabe Oldham—who tops his conference in offensive rebounds—and Jeremiah Burke, who contributes both inside scoring and perimeter shooting. While Denver’s offense includes effective three-point shooting (35 percent), defensive struggles have resulted in high opponent field goal percentages and difficulties controlling rebounds.
In previous matchups between these teams, Denver leads all-time at 7-4; however Idaho State holds a slight edge when playing at home in Pocatello (3-2). The Bengals have lost their last four meetings against Denver.
Statistically this season, Idaho State has been among the most defensively consistent teams in its conference—allowing only about 68 points per game—and outscoring opponents by nearly six points on average. Offensively they average close to 74 points per contest while maintaining solid shooting percentages both from inside and beyond the arc.
Connor Hollenbeck leads ISU’s perimeter scoring with an average of nearly thirteen points per game including seventeen three-pointers so far this year. Caleb Van De Griend stands out as one of Big Sky’s most efficient interior players with averages of fifteen points and nearly seven rebounds per game while converting more than sixty percent of his field goals.
Additional notable performers include Martin Kheil (11.7 ppg), point guard Jamison Guerra (four assists per game), Evan Otten (team-high blocks), Gus Etchison (six points off the bench), and Lachlan Brewer who provides transition scoring support.
Coach Looney recently reached his career milestone of four hundred head coaching victories following Idaho State’s win over USD earlier this season. Individual player achievements have also placed several Bengals among conference leaders in various statistical categories such as rebounding efficiency, assist-to-turnover ratio, three-point accuracy, blocks per game, and bench scoring contributions.
Fans interested in attending upcoming games can purchase tickets through idahostate.evenue.net/list/Athl or contact the ISU Ticket Office directly by phone or email for further information.
