MISSOULA, Mont. (Interstat) — Two teams knotted in the Big Sky Conference standings will meet Saturday when the Montana Grizzlies host the Idaho State Bengals at Dahlberg Arena.

Both teams enter the Jan. 24 matchup with identical 10-9 overall records. The game is a crucial early conference test as the league schedule nears its midpoint.

Idaho State looks to rebound from an 84-66 home loss to Eastern Washington last Saturday. In that game, guard Connor Hollenbeck led the Bengals with 15 points in 30 minutes. Hollenbeck has been a key scorer for Idaho State, averaging 12.0 points per game over his last six contests, including a 19-point outing in an overtime loss to Portland State on Jan. 3.

Montana arrives home riding momentum from a dominant 98-72 road victory at Northern Arizona on Monday. The Grizzlies were powered by a stellar performance from guard Money Williams, who scored 25 points and dished six assists. Williams has been on a scoring tear, averaging 22.8 points over his last six games. He erupted for 35 points in a win at Idaho on Jan. 8 and 31 points against Northern Colorado on Jan. 3.

The Bengals have shown resilience on the road this season, securing narrow conference wins at Northern Arizona and Idaho earlier this month. However, their defense, which allowed 85 points to Northern Colorado and 93 to Portland State in recent losses, will be tested by Montana’s high-powered offense.

Montana’s offense, averaging 78.2 points per game in conference play, will face an Idaho State team that has struggled to contain top scorers. The Grizzlies’ supporting cast, including Te’Jon Sawyer who scored 27 points against Northern Arizona, provides multiple threats.

The matchup features a contrast in recent results. While Montana is coming off its most impressive win of the season, Idaho State seeks to halt a pattern of alternating wins and losses that has defined its January schedule.

Saturday’s contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will play again in Pocatello on Feb. 19.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. MST at Dahlberg Arena.