POCATELLO, Idaho (Interstat) — A surging Weber State looks to continue its push up the Big Sky standings when it visits an Idaho State team riding its own wave of momentum in a key conference matchup Saturday at Holt Arena.

The Wildcats (15-14, 8-8 Big Sky) enter February’s final day having won four of their last five, including a dominant 92-72 victory over Montana last Saturday. They sit in a crowded middle tier of the league, making every remaining game critical for seeding in the upcoming conference tournament.

Idaho State (12-17, 6-10), despite a sub-.500 overall record, has found a spark, winning its last two home games against the Montana schools. The Bengals stunned Montana State 91-76 behind a historic performance from guard Gus Etchison, who poured in 36 points and dished eight assists.

Weber State will rely on its own standout, Viljami Vartiainen. The guard is averaging 16.4 points over his last five games and scored 25 in the win over Montana. His consistent scoring has anchored the Wildcats’ recent improved form.

Etchison, however, is the hottest player in the league. After a stretch of limited minutes, he has exploded for 65 points in his last two outings. His dramatic re-emergence has transformed the Bengals’ offense and gives them a potent weapon against a Weber State defense that allowed 104 points in a loss at Sacramento State earlier this month.

This is a rematch of a Jan. 31 thriller in Ogden, where Weber State escaped with an 81-79 win. Vartiainen had nine points in that game, while Etchison played only two minutes.

The Wildcats have shown resilience on the road this season, with wins at Idaho and an overtime victory at home against Montana State in their recent run. Idaho State, however, has been a tough out in Pocatello, boasting conference home wins over Northern Arizona and the recent Montana sweep.

With both teams entering off statement wins and featuring players in peak form, Saturday’s contest promises high stakes and offensive firepower as the Big Sky regular season enters its final stretch. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MST.