It will be a battle between Big Sky opponents when the Idaho State Bengals (11-11) welcome the Portland State Vikings (8-13) to Holt Arena. Action begins at 9:00 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 11.
The Bengals come into this game on a high note after thoroughly outplaying Northern Colorado 90-57 in their last game. Geno Luzcando was the game’s high scorer with 30 points on 12-for-20 shooting. The Vikings are coming off a tough 82-80 loss to Montana in their last outing. Donivine Stewart had a team-high 17 points.
Luzcando has taken his game to another level over the last five games for the Bengals. During that stretch, he has averaged 20.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 2.6 steals, and 2.2 three-pointers. Cameron Forte has also been on a tear in the same span, averaging 20.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 0.8 steals while leading the Vikings.
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Bengals winning the first matchup 73-70. Ethan Telfair put up 25 points and 11 assists.
The Bengals have gone 11-11 Straight Up (SU) and 13-5 Against The Spread (ATS).
In the other locker room, the Vikings head into the game with records of 7-10 ATS and 8-13 SU. The Vikings are one of the top teams in the country at finding the open man with an average of 17.6 assists per game. When it comes to stealing the ball, the Vikings are one of the best in the nation with an average of 8.2 steals per game.
The Bengals’ win over Portland State in their last game brought the head-to-head record to an even 5-5 SU over their most recent meetings. They are also even ATS in their most recent games (5-5). Idaho State held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers one time in the last five matchups. On the other side of the court, Portland State never accomplished this feat in that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – PorSt, ATS Winner – PorSt
Notes
Idaho State scores 81.3 points per home game (ranked 57th). Portland State ranks a poor 169th in points allowed on the road, allowing 76.5 points.
Portland State lost its last game by a two-point margin. In games decided by a margin of three points or less, Idaho State is 3-0. Portland State is 0-4 in close games this season.
The Idaho State Bengals average a field goal percentage of 43.5% this season. The Portland State Vikings have an abysmal record of 2-10 when opponents have a FG% of 43.5% or greater.
The Idaho State Bengals rank lower for their field goal percentage (208th) than they do for their effective field goal percentage (152nd), but the Portland State Vikings have a better FG% ranking (63rd) than eFG% ranking (131st).
Ranked 13th in the nation, Portland State has an average of 17.6 assists per game. Idaho State ranks lower at 227th with 12.6.
Portland State, the 84th-ranked team in blocked shots, registers an average of 4.3 per game. Idaho State does worse, ranked 290th with 2.5.
Portland State has forced an average turnover percentage of 18.8% this season. Idaho State is an even 4-4 when its TO% is 18.8% or higher.
