Northern Arizona Tops Idaho State in Close Contest
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Reed Gym
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 79, Idaho State Bengals 73, 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 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks vs Idaho State Bengals?
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks beat Idaho State Bengals 79-73 at Reed Gym on February 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Arizona Lumberjacks vs Idaho State Bengals?
Idaho State Bengals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -360 (about 78% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks defeated the Idaho State Bengals with a final score of 79-73 at Reed Gym. This victory marks a significant moment for Northern Arizona, who had been struggling with a recent record of 2-8 over their last ten games. Idaho State, on the other hand, has been on a downward trend, losing their last five games and holding a record of 3-7 in their last ten outings.
Idaho State entered the game with a home record of 10-14, while Northern Arizona had a record of 9-15. The Bengals have averaged 74.5 points scored per game, but they have also allowed an average of 80.5 points, indicating defensive struggles. In their last five games, they averaged 66.4 points scored and 79.2 points allowed, highlighting their difficulties on both ends of the court. Northern Arizona, while also facing challenges, averaged 70.4 points scored and 80.0 points allowed in their last ten, with a slightly better performance in their last five games where they scored an average of 71.8 points.
The previous meetings between these two teams this season had seen Idaho State narrowly defeat Northern Arizona 81-79 on January 11, 2026. In the 2025 season, Idaho State had won one of the two encounters, making their overall head-to-head record 2-1 in favor of the Bengals. The last encounter showed the competitiveness of both teams, but Northern Arizona managed to turn the tables in this latest matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the recent form of both teams suggests a possible impact on their performance. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Idaho State was favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 141.5. The home moneyline was listed at -360.0, while Northern Arizona's was at 285.0, reflecting the expectations surrounding the game.
The conditions of the game were not detailed in the block, but the atmosphere at Reed Gym likely played a role in the matchup. Viewers were treated to a thrilling contest, with key moments such as Martin Kheil's 24-foot three-point jumper, which extended Northern Arizona's lead, and Brennan Peterson's crucial free throws that helped seal the victory.
As the game progressed, Northern Arizona's ability to capitalize on their opportunities, particularly in the second half, proved decisive. The Lumberjacks' scoring plays, including a driving layup by Connor Hollenbeck and a pair of free throws by Ryan Abelman, showcased their offensive capabilities when it mattered most. Idaho State's struggles to contain Northern Arizona's scoring in the latter stages of the game ultimately led to their defeat.
This matchup serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where momentum can shift rapidly, and the underdog can emerge victorious. Northern Arizona's win not only improves their standing but also adds to the narrative of their rivalry with Idaho State, setting the stage for future encounters.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IDST -8.5 | 141.5 o -105 / u -115 | Northern Arizona Lumberjacks +285 · Idaho State Bengals -360 |
Leaders
- PointsConnor Hollenbeck23Idaho State Bengals
- AssistsJamison Guerra5Idaho State Bengals
- ReboundsCaleb Van De Griend6Idaho State Bengals
- PointsRyan Abelman21Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
- AssistsBrennan Peterson7Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
- ReboundsRyan Abelman7Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
Recent form
Idaho State Bengals
Last 10: 3-7Streak L574.5 scored · 80.5 allowed per game2-2 at home
- 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
- W76-68vs Idaho VandalsJan 16
- W81-79at Northern Arizona LumberjacksJan 11
- L72-85at Northern Colorado BearsJan 9
- L87-93vs Portland State VikingsJan 3
- W97-84vs Sacramento State HornetsJan 2
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
Last 10: 2-8Streak L170.4 scored · 80 allowed per game0-4 away
- L62-79vs Idaho VandalsFeb 1
- W92-86vs Eastern Washington EaglesJan 30
- W81-77vs Northern Colorado BearsJan 25
- L72-98vs Montana GrizzliesJan 20
- L52-63at Portland State VikingsJan 17
- L69-83at Sacramento State HornetsJan 16
- L79-81vs Idaho State BengalsJan 11
- L65-78vs Weber State WildcatsJan 9
- L68-77at Montana State BobcatsJan 4
- L64-78at Montana GrizzliesJan 1
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 | Northern Arizona Lumberjacks | Idaho State Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-49 | 27-50 |
| Field goal % | 59 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 10-20 | 7-20 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 35 |
| Free throws | 11-15 | 12-16 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 18 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 2 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 16 | 20 |
| Assists | 15 | 16 |
| Steals | 3 | 4 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 38 |
| Fouls | 18 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 74 | 15 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-36Ryan Abelman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-36Ryan Abelman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-36Isaiah Shaw makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half46-38Evan Otten makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half46-41Jamison Guerra makes 24-foot three point jumper (Martin Kheil assists)
- 2nd Half48-41Karl Poom makes layup
- 2nd Half48-44Martin Kheil makes 23-foot three point jumper (Lachlan Brewer assists)
- 2nd Half50-44Karl Poom makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half53-44Diego Campisano makes 24-foot three point jumper (Oakland Fort assists)
- 2nd Half53-46Jamison Guerra makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-48Connor Hollenbeck makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half56-48Brennan Peterson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ryan Abelman assists)
- 2nd Half57-48Isaiah Shaw makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-48Isaiah Shaw makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-48Isaiah Shaw makes 2-foot dunk (Brennan Peterson assists)
- 2nd Half60-50Caleb Van De Griend makes layup (Louis Bond assists)
- 2nd Half60-51Louis Bond makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-52Caleb Van De Griend makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-53Caleb Van De Griend makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-56Jamison Guerra makes 23-foot three point jumper (Louis Bond assists)
- 2nd Half63-56Ryan Abelman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Karl Poom assists)
- 2nd Half63-58Jamison Guerra makes layup
- 2nd Half64-58Karl Poom makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-58Karl Poom makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-59Connor Hollenbeck makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-60Connor Hollenbeck makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-60Karl Poom makes layup
- 2nd Half67-62Connor Hollenbeck makes 7-foot hook shot (Jamison Guerra assists)
- 2nd Half70-62Ryan Abelman makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brennan Peterson assists)
- 2nd Half73-62Ryan Abelman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Brennan Peterson assists)
- 2nd Half73-63Jamison Guerra makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-65Evan Otten makes 2-foot dunk (Jamison Guerra assists)
- 2nd Half73-68Martin Kheil makes 24-foot three point jumper (Lachlan Brewer assists)
- 2nd Half74-68Brennan Peterson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-70Connor Hollenbeck makes driving layup (Jamison Guerra assists)
- 2nd Half75-70Brennan Peterson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-70Ryan Abelman makes layup (Chris Komin assists)
- 2nd Half77-73Connor Hollenbeck makes 24-foot three pointer (Jamison Guerra assists)
- 2nd Half78-73Ryan Abelman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-73Ryan Abelman makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Idaho State Bengals, below favours Northern Arizona Lumberjacks.
Venue
- Reed GymPocatello, ID
- Attendance1331
- OfficialsShawn Lehigh, Jason Garretson, Grant Jeffres
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