Preview: Idaho State Bengals at Northern Arizona Lumberjacks

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Interstat) — Two Big Sky Conference men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Idaho State Bengals visit the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Walkup Skydome.

Idaho State (8-8, 1-2 Big Sky) enters after an 85-72 road loss at Northern Colorado on Thursday. The Bengals have shown offensive firepower, averaging 80.1 points per game, but have lost three of their last four contests.

Northern Arizona (6-10, 1-2) is also looking to rebound from a home loss, falling 78-65 to Weber State on Thursday. The Lumberjacks have struggled to find consistency, with their last win over a Division I opponent coming on Dec. 18.

A key matchup will feature Idaho State guard Jamison Guerra against Northern Arizona’s frontcourt, anchored by Traivar Jackson. Guerra is coming off a 26-point performance in the loss to Northern Colorado and has scored 20 or more points in three of his last five games. His playmaking will be critical for the Bengals’ attack.

For the Lumberjacks, Jackson provides an interior presence. He led the team with 16 points against Weber State and will be tasked with controlling the paint against an Idaho State team that prefers an up-tempo style.

Both teams have faced recent struggles in conference play. Idaho State’s lone Big Sky win was a 97-84 victory over Sacramento State on Jan. 1. Northern Arizona’s sole conference win was a 65-57 decision against Southern Utah in mid-December.

Historically, the series has been competitive. The teams split their two meetings last season, each winning on their home court.

Saturday’s contest is the first of a two-game regular-season series between the programs. They will meet again in Pocatello on Feb. 5.

For Idaho State, the game begins a stretch of four out of five on the road. Northern Arizona continues a four-game homestand, seeking to improve its 4-3 record in Flagstaff this season.

Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. MST Saturday.