Idaho State Bengals Triumph Over Montana State Bobcats
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Reed Gym
Idaho State Bengals 91, Montana State Bobcats 76, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Montana State Bobcats vs Idaho State Bengals?
Idaho State Bengals beat Montana State Bobcats 91-76 at Reed Gym on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Montana State Bobcats vs Idaho State Bengals?
Montana State Bobcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -120 (about 55% implied). The underdog won.
In a compelling matchup, the Idaho State Bengals secured a decisive victory over the Montana State Bobcats with a final score of 91-76 at Reed Gym. This win marked a significant turnaround for the Bengals, who had been struggling in their recent games. Prior to this contest, Idaho State had a record of 12-17, while Montana State entered the game with a record of 15-13. The Bengals' recent form had seen them win only one of their last ten games, but they managed to break their losing streak with this performance.
Idaho State's recent form leading up to the game was concerning, with a record of 1-9 in their last ten outings. They averaged 68.3 points scored per game while allowing 80.0 points. Their last game resulted in a narrow victory against the Montana Grizzlies, where they won 73-69. In contrast, Montana State had a more favorable record of 6-4 in their last ten games, averaging 75.3 points scored and allowing 72.2 points. However, they were coming off a loss against Weber State, which ended in a close score of 79-82.
At home, Idaho State had a record of 1-3 in their last four games, while Montana State had a 4-1 record in their last five away games. This home advantage was crucial for the Bengals, who were looking to capitalize on their familiar surroundings. The two teams had met previously in the season, with Idaho State losing to Montana State 62-74 earlier on January 23, 2026. Historically, Idaho State had struggled against Montana State, with a head-to-head record of 1-3 in their last four meetings.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but it is always a factor to consider in any matchup. The betting market reflected a close contest, with DraftKings setting the odds at Montana State -1.5, indicating that they were slight favorites. The total points line was set at 144.5, suggesting expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.
The conditions at Reed Gym were typical for a college basketball game, and fans were treated to an exciting atmosphere. The Bengals' performance was characterized by strong offensive plays, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away decisively. Key moments included free throws made by Gus Etchison and Blake Daberkow's dunk, which contributed to the Bengals' scoring surge.
As the game progressed, Idaho State showcased their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, ultimately outpacing Montana State in the second half. The Bengals' victory not only improved their record but also provided a much-needed boost in confidence as they look to build on this success in future games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MTST -1.5 | 144.5 o -112 / u -108 | Montana State Bobcats -120 · Idaho State Bengals +100 |
Leaders
- PointsGus Etchison36Idaho State Bengals
- AssistsGus Etchison8Idaho State Bengals
- ReboundsCaleb Van De Griend9Idaho State Bengals
- PointsPatrick McMahon35Montana State Bobcats
- AssistsJed Miller3Montana State Bobcats
- ReboundsChristian King5Montana State Bobcats
Recent form
Idaho State Bengals
Last 10: 1-9Streak W168.3 scored · 80 allowed per game1-3 at home
- W73-69vs Montana GrizzliesFeb 20
- L69-99at Idaho VandalsFeb 14
- L75-88at Eastern Washington EaglesFeb 13
- L61-69vs Northern Colorado BearsFeb 7
- L73-79vs Northern Arizona LumberjacksFeb 6
- L65-88at Portland State VikingsFeb 3
- L79-81at Weber State WildcatsJan 31
- L60-69at Montana GrizzliesJan 24
- L62-74at Montana State BobcatsJan 23
- L66-84vs Eastern Washington EaglesJan 17
Montana State Bobcats
Last 10: 6-4Streak L175.3 scored · 72.2 allowed per game2-3 away
- L79-82at Weber State WildcatsFeb 20
- W82-71at Montana GrizzliesFeb 15
- L71-72vs Eastern Washington EaglesFeb 8
- W73-66vs Idaho VandalsFeb 6
- L54-63at Portland State VikingsJan 31
- L80-83at Sacramento State HornetsJan 30
- W91-88vs Weber State WildcatsJan 25
- W74-62vs Idaho State BengalsJan 23
- W73-68at Northern Colorado BearsJan 20
- W76-67vs Montana GrizzliesJan 18
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland State | 20-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Montana State | 18-14 | 1 | 12-6 |
| Eastern Washington | 14-19 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Northern Colorado | 20-12 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Montana | 18-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Weber State | 16-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Idaho | 21-15 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Sacramento State | 10-21 | 8 | 6-12 |
| Idaho State | 13-20 | 8 | 5-13 |
| Northern Arizona | 10-22 | 9 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Montana State Bobcats | Idaho State Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-57 | 34-59 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 58 |
| Three-pointers | 7-23 | 8-23 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 35 |
| Free throws | 21-27 | 15-17 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 19 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 13 | 28 |
| Assists | 9 | 14 |
| Steals | 10 | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 52 |
| Fouls | 18 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 24 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 11 | 87 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-61Gus Etchison makes layup
- 2nd Half44-61Seth Amunrud makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaden Steppe assists)
- 2nd Half47-61Jaden Steppe makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jed Miller assists)
- 2nd Half47-64Louis Bond makes 23-foot three point jumper (Gus Etchison assists)
- 2nd Half47-66Gus Etchison makes layup
- 2nd Half49-66Jaden Steppe makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half49-69Lachlan Brewer makes 24-foot three point jumper (Blake Daberkow assists)
- 2nd Half52-69Christian King makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaden Steppe assists)
- 2nd Half54-69Patrick McMahon makes layup
- 2nd Half54-71Gus Etchison makes layup
- 2nd Half54-74Connor Hollenbeck makes 23-foot three point jumper (Gus Etchison assists)
- 2nd Half54-76Gus Etchison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-76Patrick McMahon makes layup
- 2nd Half57-76Patrick McMahon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-76Patrick McMahon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-76Patrick McMahon makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-76Patrick McMahon makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-78Gus Etchison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-78Patrick McMahon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-78Patrick McMahon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-78Patrick McMahon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-78Patrick McMahon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-79Blake Daberkow makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-80Blake Daberkow makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-82Cheikh Sow makes layup
- 2nd Half66-82Christian King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-82Christian King makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-84Louis Bond makes 1-foot dunk (Blake Daberkow assists)
- 2nd Half68-84Patrick McMahon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-84Patrick McMahon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-86Gus Etchison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-86Christian King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-86Christian King makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-87Connor Hollenbeck makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-87Patrick McMahon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-88Gus Etchison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-89Gus Etchison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-89Jaden Steppe makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half74-91Blake Daberkow makes 2-foot dunk (Gus Etchison assists)
- 2nd Half76-91Christian King makes 6-foot floating jump shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Idaho State Bengals, below favours Montana State Bobcats.
Venue
- Reed GymPocatello, ID
- Attendance1686
- OfficialsJohn St. Clair, Casey McClellan, Tala Vahedi
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Picks for NCAAB
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These two, other days
- Montana State Defeats Idaho State 74-62 at HomeJan 22, 2026