Idaho State University’s men’s basketball team is set to begin Big Sky Conference play with two home games this week. The Bengals will face Sacramento State on Thursday at 7:00 p.m., followed by a matchup against Portland State on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Both games will be held at Reed Gym in Pocatello.
Idaho State enters the conference season with a NCAA NET ranking of 126, the highest among all Big Sky teams and the best in program history during Big Sky play. The team has built its identity around defense, depth, and interior play. The Bengals rank second in the conference for scoring defense, allowing an average of 70.2 points per game. They also lead the league in blocks (4.4 per game) and bench points (33.5 per game), which ranks them among the top programs nationally in those categories.
On offense, Idaho State averages 75.6 points per game and shoots 46.5 percent from the field, placing them in the upper half of conference efficiency rankings. They are third in offensive rebounds (11.9 per game) and have a rebound margin of +4.7.
Key players include Caleb Van De Griend, who is third in field-goal percentage (60.7%) and total rebounds (87) within the conference, as well as third in total points (188). Connor Hollenbeck contributes both inside and outside with 13.9 points per game and ranks ninth for made three-pointers (26). Martin Kheil is consistent from beyond the arc, standing fifth in three-point percentage (35%) and third in threes made per game (2.55). Point guard Jamison Guerra holds fifth place for assist-to-turnover ratio (2.62), while Evan Otten leads the conference with 18 blocks.
Sacramento State arrives with a record of 4–8 and a NET ranking of 258. Their roster features experienced guards and balanced scoring, averaging 76.6 points per game—top five in the Big Sky—and shooting 33.2 percent from three-point range. Prophet Johnson leads their effort with an average of 16.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, along with leading steals at 2.7 per contest.
Historically, Idaho State has a slight edge over Sacramento State with a record of 34–28 overall and a stronger performance at home.
Portland State comes into league play emphasizing speed and physicality, leading the conference by scoring an average of 87.5 points per game and holding top-three positions for rebounding margin (+9.9) and offensive boards (13.6). Money Williams tops Big Sky scorers with an average of 20.4 points per game, while Prophet Johnson leads rebounding efforts at 8.7 boards each contest.
The Vikings hold a historical series advantage over Idaho State but have lost three out of their last five matchups when playing against the Bengals.
Following these home games, Idaho State will go on its first road trip since November to play Northern Colorado on January 8th before facing Northern Arizona—where they have not lost since February 2016—in Flagstaff.
Tickets are available online or through the ISU Ticket Office by phone or email.
“Stay connected with Bengal Basketball all season long,” states official communication from Idaho State University Athletics staff regarding fan engagement through social media platforms Facebook, X, and Instagram for highlights and updates.
