In a resounding upset, Idaho State (ISU) handed Montana State (MSU) a 15-point defeat, winning 91-76. The Bengals' victory marked a significant upset, with ISU ranking 87 spots lower in the NET rankings than the Bobcats. Idaho State outpaced Montana State 50-30 in the first half, and while the Bobcats managed to close the gap in the second half, they ultimately fell short, 41-46.
The disparity in scoring was a telling indicator of the evening's outcome, with Idaho State's offense overwhelming Montana State's defense. As the game wore on, it became increasingly clear that the Bengals had established a commanding lead, which they would ultimately hold onto for the win.
Idaho State's offense was spearheaded by Gus Etchison, who notched a game-high 36 points on 15-of-25 shooting from the field and 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. His 8 assists also paced the team, demonstrating his ability to facilitate the offense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Etchison's well-rounded performance was a key factor in Idaho State's victory.
Lachlan Brewer and Connor Hollenbeck also contributed significantly to the team's success. Brewer provided a boost on the glass with 6 rebounds and added 2 blocks on defense, while Hollenbeck chipped in with 11 points on efficient 3-of-4 shooting from the field and 1-of-1 from three. The duo's complementary skills helped Idaho State maintain a strong pace throughout the game, ultimately leading to a decisive 91-76 victory.
Patrick McMahon's 35 points were a bright spot for Montana State, but ultimately proved insufficient to stem the tide of Idaho State's offense. He shot efficiently from the free throw line, converting 15 of 17 attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, going 0-2. His 20 field goal attempts also led the team, but he was unable to find consistent support from his teammates.
Christian King and Jed Miller, meanwhile, failed to find their footing against the Idaho State defense. King's 17 points were not enough to make a significant impact, as he struggled with his shot, converting just 29.4% of his field goal attempts. Miller's 8 points were similarly underwhelming, as he was held to 3-7 shooting from the field, including a 1-5 performance from beyond the arc.
The supporting cast for both teams largely adhered to their season averages, with few players deviating from established trends.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The pre-game prediction of a 7.5-point victory for Montana State proved to be a distant reality, as Idaho State emerged victorious by a convincing 15-point margin. The discrepancy between expectation and outcome highlights the challenges of accurately forecasting performances, particularly when teams are capable of elevated play on a given night.
The decisive factors in Idaho State's triumph were their ability to dominate the paint, both in terms of efficiency and rebounding prowess. The Bengals' eFG% skyrocketed to 64.4%, a stark increase from their season average of 52.7%. This surge in interior scoring was complemented by a notable improvement in 3-point shooting, with Idaho State converting 34.8% of their attempts, up from their season average of 34.2%. Meanwhile, Montana State struggled to keep pace, with their own eFG% hovering at 48.2%, a full 16.2% points below their season average.
Idaho State's victory marks a crucial turning point in their season, as it provides a much-needed Quad 3 win, bolstering their resume with a 1-2 record against such opponents. This result, coupled with their current NET ranking of #226, suggests that they are unlikely to receive a seeding in the NCAA Tournament. However, they may still be considered for a play-in game, as their Quad 1 and 2 losses are substantial, and their overall body of work is thin. Conversely, Montana State's loss not only drops them to 0-3 in Quad 3 games but also further exacerbates their struggles against top-tier opponents, a significant concern given their current NET ranking of #139. This setback raises questions about their seeding prospects, as they now face a daunting task in trying to secure a top 8 seed. The Bobcats' chances of hosting a game in the first round have just taken a significant hit.