OGDEN, Utah (Interstat) — In a game defined by explosive individual performances and a frantic final minute, Tijan Saine’s 28 points and eight assists propelled Weber State to an 81-79 victory over Idaho State in a Big Sky Conference men’s basketball thriller Saturday afternoon at Dee Events Center.

The decisive sequence unfolded in the closing seconds with the score tied at 78. After Idaho State’s Connor Hollenbeck committed a turnover with 18 seconds remaining, Weber State called a timeout to set up a final play. Out of the stoppage, Saine, the Wildcats’ dynamic 5-foot-10 guard from Everett, Washington, drove and kicked to a wide-open ArDarius Grayson on the right wing. Grayson, who finished with 14 points, drained a 3-pointer with just five seconds on the clock to give Weber State an 81-78 lead.

Idaho State, without a timeout, rushed the ball upcourt, but Jamison Guerra’s driving layup attempt at the buzzer was off the mark, sealing the Wildcats’ comeback win before a crowd of 3,015.

The game was a tale of two halves. Idaho State, led by Hollenbeck’s 27-point effort, controlled the first 20 minutes, shooting efficiently to build a 38-33 halftime lead. The Bengals stretched their advantage to as many as nine points early in the second half, but Weber State’s offensive rebounding and a surge from Saine fueled the rally.

Weber State dominated the glass, securing 12 offensive rebounds to Idaho State’s five, which led to 15 second-chance points. That effort, spearheaded by Malek Gomma’s 10 rebounds, helped offset a sharp shooting afternoon from the Bengals, who hit 53.7% from the field and 40.9% from 3-point range.

Saine, the conference’s leading scorer, took over after halftime, scoring 18 of his points in the second period. He repeatedly attacked the basket, drawing fouls and converting 9-of-10 from the free-throw line, while also facilitating for teammates like Grayson and Nigel Burris, who added 11 points off the bench.

Idaho State’s offense was a two-man show for long stretches. Hollenbeck, a 6-foot-7 forward from Rapid City, South Dakota, was efficient inside and out, adding seven rebounds. Martin Kheil, a guard from Czechia, provided crucial perimeter scoring, hitting five 3-pointers on his way to 19 points. Evan Otten contributed 13 points, seven rebounds and three blocks for the Bengals.

Despite the high-level shooting, the game was decided by slim margins. Weber State committed one fewer turnover and was slightly more effective at converting those opportunities, holding a 15-10 edge in points off turnovers. The Wildcats also shot 80% from the foul line, making 16 of 20 attempts.

The win improved Weber State to 11-11 overall and evened its conference record, while Idaho State fell to 10-12. The result defied the narrow pregame expectations, as Weber State was favored by 1.5 points, but the combined score of 160 surpassed the over/under line of 151.5.

The victory provides momentum for Weber State as it heads into a road game at Sacramento State on Monday. Idaho State, meanwhile, looks to rebound quickly with a trip to Portland State also scheduled for Monday. The two teams are set to meet again in Pocatello on Feb. 28.