They have been close on a couple of occasions, but on Thursday night Bill Evans finally got his first win at Idaho State. Montana Western came to Pocatello, and the Bengals pulled out a 70-52 victory.
The game was never in doubt, which is a good sign with the quality of the opponent. Montana Western scored the opening bucket, but ISU led the rest of the way.
The Bengals were led by their newcomers. Sophomore guard Chris Hansen had 20 points (he could lead the conference in three-point field goals), while Tomas Sanchez had 17 points.
They also won with stifling defense, allowing just 33% shooting and forcing 17 turnovers. The Bengals have still not allowed an opponent to score 60 points in a game this season. If they are successful this year, that type of defense is what will lead them.
EDIT: Jason Enes of the Idaho State Journal has pointed out a mistake I have made. ISU allowed 60 points in a game against Wright State this year. What I should have said was that they have not allowed more than 60 points in a game this year.
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Jon, ISU has allowed an opponent to score 60 this year, they lost 60-45 to Wright State during the Utah Thanksgiving Tournament.
ReplyDeleteJason Enes
beat writer ISU men's basketball
Idaho State Journal
Thanks Jason, I misread the note in the article on ISU's site... they said that ISU hasn't allowed opponents to score more than 60 points in a game, I accidentally misread as saying they haven't allowed an opponent to score 60. Thank you for the correction!
ReplyDeleteAlthough ISU has not given up many points this year it has been mainly due to the extremely slow pace they play at. With that said I like the zone that Bill Evans has them playing.
ReplyDeleteEvans is using ISU's strengths, or lack thereof, to strategize games. I like the effort and coaching I have seen so far. Half of the roster contains O'Brien's players and/or walk-ons. Evans himself said earlier this season that it's probably a mistake to judge this year's team by wins & losses.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for the next couple of seasons.