Idaho State Bengals Defeat Montana Western Bulldogs 80-64
Thursday, December 18, 2025, 9:00 PM ET · Reed Gym
Idaho State Bengals 80, Montana Western Bulldogs 64, 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 Western Bulldogs vs Idaho State Bengals?
Idaho State Bengals beat Montana Western Bulldogs 80-64 at Reed Gym on December 18, 2025.
The Idaho State Bengals secured a decisive victory against the Montana Western Bulldogs, winning 80-64 at Reed Gym. This matchup showcased the Bengals' ability to capitalize on their home advantage, improving their home record to 8-5. The game was a significant moment for Idaho State, who had been struggling recently, but managed to turn the tide with this win.
Idaho State entered the game with a mixed recent form, having a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They had lost their previous match against the Utah Valley Wolverines with a score of 69-73, which marked their first loss in a streak that included both wins and losses. On average, the Bengals scored 73.9 points while allowing 68.4 points over their last ten games. Their performance at home has been notably better, with a home record of 3-1 compared to a 2-4 record in away games. In their last five games, Idaho State averaged 78.6 points scored and 69.0 points allowed, indicating a slight uptick in offensive production.
Conversely, the Montana Western Bulldogs faced challenges leading into this game. While the block does not provide specific details about their recent form or record, the result of this game indicates they struggled to keep pace with the Bengals. The Bulldogs were unable to build on any momentum and fell behind as the game progressed.
The matchup at Reed Gym was critical for Idaho State, not just for the win but also for their confidence moving forward. Historically, home games have proven advantageous for the Bengals, and this game was no exception. The Bengals' ability to perform well in front of their home crowd played a key role in their victory.
In terms of scoring, Idaho State's offensive strategy was evident as they built a substantial lead throughout the game. Key plays in the second half included a series of successful shots and free throws that helped maintain their advantage. Notable scoring plays included Evan Otten making a hook shot and Kyle Gruhler hitting a three-pointer, which showcased the Bengals' offensive depth and versatility.
The injury situation was not detailed in the block, leaving an open question about whether either team was missing key players. However, the absence of significant injuries may have contributed to Idaho State's performance, allowing them to field a strong lineup.
The betting market had priced Idaho State as a clear favorite, with a final home win probability of 1.0, indicating complete confidence in their ability to win this fixture. This reflects the Bengals' strong home performance and their recent ability to score effectively.
Conditions in Reed Gym were conducive to a solid basketball performance, with the home crowd providing support that likely energized the Bengals. Fans witnessed a display of skill and teamwork, with Idaho State executing their game plan effectively.
Viewers watching the game would have noted Idaho State's strong offensive execution, particularly in the second half, where they consistently found ways to score and extend their lead. The combination of effective shooting and solid defense ultimately led to their success against Montana Western. As the season progresses, this victory could serve as a turning point for Idaho State, potentially setting the stage for improved performances in upcoming games.
Leaders
- PointsConnor Hollenbeck18Idaho State Bengals
- AssistsJamison Guerra4Idaho State Bengals
- ReboundsEvan Otten8Idaho State Bengals
- PointsEmanuel Steward18Montana Western Bulldogs
- AssistsEmanuel Steward3Montana Western Bulldogs
- ReboundsKolter Merritt7Montana Western Bulldogs
Recent form
Idaho State Bengals
Last 10: 5-5Streak L173.9 scored · 68.4 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L69-73at Utah Valley WolverinesDec 11
- W93-79vs Denver PioneersDec 6
- W68-59at Kansas City RoosDec 4
- W82-50vs Cal State Northridge MatadorsNov 28
- L81-84vs Sam Houston BearkatsNov 26
- W89-51vs Justice LionsNov 21
- L55-64at Santa Clara BroncosNov 19
- L74-83at Seattle U RedhawksNov 16
- L57-73at San Diego State AztecsNov 9
- W71-68at San Diego TorerosNov 8
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 Western Bulldogs | Idaho State Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-58 | 28-56 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 10-24 | 6-17 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 35 |
| Free throws | 10-16 | 18-23 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 16 | 26 |
| Assists | 9 | 11 |
| Steals | 5 | 7 |
| Blocks | 7 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 24 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 12 | 32 |
| Fouls | 20 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 18 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 1 | 98 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half38-41Emanuel Steward makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kyle Gruhler assists)
- 2nd Half38-43Jamison Guerra makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half40-43Emanuel Steward makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half40-46Jamison Guerra makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half40-47Caleb Van De Griend makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-48Caleb Van De Griend makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-48David Young makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half45-48Kyle Gruhler makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half46-48Emanuel Steward makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-48David Young makes 24-foot three point jumper (Emanuel Steward assists)
- 2nd Half49-50Caleb Van De Griend makes layup (Martin Kheil assists)
- 2nd Half49-51Caleb Van De Griend makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-52Caleb Van De Griend makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-54Caleb Van De Griend makes layup (Martin Kheil assists)
- 2nd Half49-56Jamison Guerra makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-58Lachlan Brewer makes layup (Connor Hollenbeck assists)
- 2nd Half49-59Connor Hollenbeck makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-60Connor Hollenbeck makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-60Kolter Merritt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-60Kolter Merritt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-63Martin Kheil makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-63Emanuel Steward makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-63Emanuel Steward makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-64Gus Etchison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-65Connor Hollenbeck makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-66Connor Hollenbeck makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-66David Young makes 23-foot three point jumper (Mark Huber assists)
- 2nd Half56-69Gus Etchison makes 23-foot three point jumper (Blake Daberkow assists)
- 2nd Half58-69Joshua Whiteside makes 12-foot jumper (Mark Huber assists)
- 2nd Half59-69Kyle Gruhler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-69Kyle Gruhler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-71Connor Hollenbeck makes layup
- 2nd Half60-72Connor Hollenbeck makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half60-74Evan Otten makes 9-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half61-74Joshua Whiteside makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-76Caleb Van De Griend makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half61-77Gus Etchison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-77Kyle Gruhler makes 24-foot three point jumper (Emanuel Steward assists)
- 2nd Half64-78Jamison Guerra makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-80Evan Otten makes 8-foot hook shot (Jamison Guerra assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Idaho State Bengals, below favours Montana Western Bulldogs.
Venue
- Reed GymPocatello, ID
- Attendance1133
- OfficialsChris Hudson, Eric Curry, Justin Albrecht
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