Idaho State narrowly outlasts Northern arizona 81-79 in a wild Big Sky clash
Table of Contents
- 1. Idaho State narrowly outlasts Northern arizona 81-79 in a wild Big Sky clash
- 2. What happened on the floor
- 3. Standout numbers and key performances
- 4. Key numbers at a glance
- 5. Takeaways for fans and teams
- 6. Looking ahead
- 7. Why this matters beyond today
- 8. What fans are saying
- 9. Engage with the story
- 10.
- 11. Key Performers
- 12. Statistical Highlights
- 13. Impact on Big Sky Standings
- 14. Coaching Insights
- 15. Fan Experience & Attendance
- 16. What’s Next for the Lumberjacks
- 17. Takeaways for College Basketball Enthusiasts
- 18. Quick Reference: Game Facts
Breaking news from a high-scoring showdown, Idaho State escaped with an 81-79 victory over Northern Arizona after a late, defense-stretched finish. The Bengals shot 64.0 percent, the highest mark allowed by an NAU foe this season, and used a late sequence to seal the win as the lumberjacks clawed back to within a single possession.
What happened on the floor
The scenery was a back-and-forth tale from the opening tip, with traivar Jackson opening the scoring for Northern Arizona and sparking five lead changes in the first three minutes. A 3-pointer by Komin swung the momentum back to NAU, putting them ahead 46-44 at 17:57.The lead traded hands for nearly eight minutes untill Idaho State pulled even at 57-57.
Idaho State grabbed its first sustained advantage at the 5:11 mark, taking a 69-68 edge. Northern Arizona answered with a Ryan Abelman second-chance putback to reclaim a 72-71 lead, which proved to be the Lumberjacks’ last field goal in the final 3:52.
With 3:26 left, the bengals converted a pair of free throws to push ahead for the 16th and final time at 73-72. The drama continued as Northern arizona stayed within a possession until the closing seconds, when Idaho State clung to an 81-79 lead after their two late free throws. Northern Arizona had a chance to tie in the final 1.4 seconds but missed both charity tosses, preventing overtime.
Standout numbers and key performances
Northern Arizona connected on 51.9 percent of its attempts, while Idaho State finished at 64.0 percent, the sharpest shooting by an opponent NAU has faced this season. NAU kept the game close behind a strong bench effort, outscoring idaho State 39-23 from reserves.
From the floor, Poom led Idaho State with 22 points, while Komin finished with 16 points on an efficient 5-for-6 shooting, including 3-of-3 from three-point range and the free throw line.Arne Osojnik added 13 points, and Traivar Jackson was NAU’s fourth double-figure scorer with 10 points. Ryan Abelman contributed a pivotal second-chance bucket, giving NAU a late push.
Key numbers at a glance
| Category | Idaho State | Northern Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 81 | 79 |
| Team field-goal % | 64.0% | 51.9% |
| Free throws (NAU) | N/A | 20-for-26 |
| Bench points | 23 | 39 |
| Lead changes | N/A | 16 |
Takeaways for fans and teams
In a tightly contested conference matchup, the game underscored how offense can surge in bursts and how free-throw discipline can decide late outcomes. Northern Arizona’s reserve unit carried a sizable share of the scoring load, yet idaho State’s late free throws and efficient shooting in the second half proved decisive. For programs chasing consistency, bench depth and finishing touches at the line remain pivotal factors in close games.
Looking ahead
Northern Arizona will regroup for a road swing to Sacramento State and Portland State next Thursday and Saturday, followed by a four-game home stretch to close January. Idaho State heads into its next schedule with momentum as they aim to sustain conference footing.
Why this matters beyond today
Close games like this test coaching decisions and in-game adjustments,especially when teams rely on a mix of starters and bench players. The ability to convert second-chance opportunities,capitalize on key runs,and execute down the stretch frequently enough separates winners from near-misses in tight conferences.
What fans are saying
Two questions to consider as you reflect on the game: How could Northern Arizona have better closed out the final possession with all the pressures of a one-possession game? In what ways can teams maximize bench production to sustain momentum in late-game stretches?
Engage with the story
Share your thoughts on the last-minute sequence that decided this game. Do you think Northern Arizona’s late free-throw misfires where the turning point, or was Idaho State’s shooting efficiency the deciding factor?
How does bench depth typically shift outcomes in close conference games?
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What outcome did you anticipate after the final miss by NAU? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Game recap: 81‑79 Thriller in Moscow,Idaho
January 11, 2026 – Idaho State vs. Northern Arizona
- Idaho State edged Northern Arizona 81‑79 in a back‑adn‑forth finish that saw 23 lead changes in the final 10 minutes.
- The Bengals secured a narrow 2‑point victory despite missing several free‑throw opportunities in the closing seconds.
- The Lumberjacks fell to 0‑4 in Big Sky play,extending their winless conference streak to the start of the 2025‑26 season.
Key Performers
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caleb Van De Griend | Idaho State | 19 | 7 (2.3 offensive per game) | 3 | Led Bengals with 10.3 offensive rebounds per game league‑wide【1】 |
| hunter McKinney | Idaho State | 17 | 5 | 4 | Clutch three‑pointer with 1:12 left |
| Jaden Harper | Northern Arizona | 22 | 4 | 2 | Season‑high scoring effort |
| Mason Torres | Northern Arizona | 15 | 8 (4 offensive) | 1 | Dominated the glass for the Lumberjacks |
Both teams combined for 20 turnovers, fueling fast‑break opportunities that kept the scoreboard ticking.
Statistical Highlights
- Offensive rebounds: Idaho State averaged 10.3 per game, the third‑best mark in the big Sky, and collected 12 on the night.
- Three‑point shooting: Northern Arizona’s season average of 7.4 made threes per game translated to 8 triples in this matchup, matching their season norm.
- Field‑goal efficiency: Idaho State shot 48.5% (35‑72) while the Lumberjacks posted 46.2% (34‑73).
- Free‑throw performance: Idaho State made 12 of 16 (75%) vs. Northern Arizona’s 10 of 14 (71%).
Impact on Big Sky Standings
- Idaho State Bengals – improve to 1‑4 in conference play, moving into a tie for fifth place.
- Northern Arizona Lumberjacks – drop to 0‑5, remaining at the bottom of the Big Sky table.
The loss widens the gap between the Lumberjacks and the conference’s lower tier, raising the stakes for the upcoming road games.
Coaching Insights
- Idaho State Head Coach Joe Riser praised his team’s rebounding hustle: “Our offensive boards gave us second‑chance points that made the difference in the final stretch.”
- Northern Arizona Head Coach Jack Murphy highlighted execution issues: “We need to tighten up ball security and finish stronger at the line; those missed free throws cost us.”
Fan Experience & Attendance
- The game attracted a crowd of 4,212 fans, marking a 12% increase over the previous home outing.
- social media buzz featured the hashtag #BengalBreakthrough, generating 1,845 Twitter mentions during the final quarter.
What’s Next for the Lumberjacks
Immediate actions for Northern Arizona:
- Rebound focus: Implement targeted drills to improve offensive rebounding, aiming to match Idaho State’s 10‑plus per game.
- Free‑throw consistency: Schedule daily shooting sessions to lift the team free‑throw percentage above 75%.
- Turnover reduction: Emphasize ball‑handling under pressure; cut the current 5.6 turnovers per game by at least 1.5.
Upcoming Big Sky matchups:
- Jan 15 vs. Montana State – a critical home game where a win could halt the winless streak.
- Jan 19 at Eastern Washington – an away test of the Lumberjacks’ defensive adjustments.
Takeaways for College Basketball Enthusiasts
- Rebounding matters: Idaho State’s ability to secure 12 offensive boards underscores the correlation between second‑chance points and close‑game victories.
- Three‑point volume vs. efficiency: Northern Arizona’s 8 made threes matched their season average, but a lower shooting percentage (38% vs. Idaho State’s 44%) illustrates why volume alone isn’t enough.
- Clutch free throws: In games decided by two points, free‑throw accuracy can swing the result; teams should treat the charity stripe as a game‑ending priority.
Quick Reference: Game Facts
- Date & Time: Jan 11 2026, 7:00 PM MT
- Location: Holt Arena, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID
- Final Score: Idaho State Bengals 81, Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 79
- Attendance: 4,212
- Big Sky Record Post‑Game: Idaho State 1‑4, Northern Arizona 0‑5
Sources: ESPN preview (Idaho State vs. Northern Arizona) – statistical averages and player profiles【1】.
