Preview: Northern Colorado Bears at Idaho State Bengals

POCATELLO, Idaho (Interstat) — A surging Northern Colorado squad looks to continue its climb in the Big Sky Conference standings when it visits a struggling Idaho State team on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Holt Arena.

The Bears (14-10, 4-5 Big Sky) enter on a three-game winning streak, most recently an impressive 88-74 road victory at Weber State on Thursday. Idaho State (10-14, 2-7), meanwhile, seeks to halt a five-game skid, having fallen 79-73 at home to Northern Arizona on the same night.

Northern Colorado’s recent success is fueled by the stellar play of guard Quinn Denker. The standout is averaging 22.3 points and 7.8 assists over his last seven games, including a 31-point, 9-assist performance at Weber State and a 35-point, 10-assist triple-double in a win over Idaho on Jan. 29. His backcourt leadership will be central to the Bears’ attack.

The Bengals will counter with guard Connor Hollenbeck, their most consistent offensive threat during the losing streak. Hollenbeck is averaging 18.4 points over his last five contests, highlighted by a 27-point effort at Weber State on Jan. 31 and 23 points in the loss to Northern Arizona.

In the season’s first meeting in Greeley on Jan. 8, Northern Colorado controlled the game for an 85-72 victory. The Bears will aim for a regular-season sweep, leveraging their momentum against a Bengals team that has lost nine of its last eleven.

For Idaho State, protecting home court is critical to reviving its season. The Bengals are 7-4 at Holt Arena this season but have dropped two of their last three conference games there.

The matchup features a stark contrast in recent trajectories. Northern Colorado has found its rhythm offensively, scoring 88 or more points in two of its last three outings. Idaho State has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 80.2 points during its five-game losing streak.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MST Saturday. Following this game, Northern Colorado returns home to host Sacramento State on Feb. 12. Idaho State begins a two-game road trip at Eastern Washington on the same date.