by Steve Schaack, Idaho State Athletics
POCATELLO, Idaho- It’s been two weeks since the Idaho State men’s basketball team took the floor. The two-week break due to COVID within the Idaho State program as well as Eastern Washington program allowed the Bengals to hit reset.
The result was just what the doctor ordered as the Bengals beat Idaho 81-74 for the seventh time in the last eight meetings on Saturday night in Reed Gym.
“It was incredible and credit to our guys,” Idaho State Acting Head Coach Joe White said. “I thought they were great all week. They executed the game plan on both ends of the floor to the best of their abilities. Honestly, I have never seen this group more motivated.”
The Bengals were without head coach Ryan Looney, who missed Saturday’s game and this upcoming Monday’s game to address a non-COVID medical issue.
“We played tonight in spirit for coach Looney,” White said. “That in and of itself was enough motivation for all 17 players in this program. The COVID break really benefited us from not playing on Thursday.”
Idaho State was led in scoring by Tarik Cool’s 20 points. He had four assists, was 5-6 from the free throw line and made three 3-pointers. His 20 points was in 26 minutes off the bench.
“I felt mentally and physically we were ready to go tonight,” White said. “He brought the right attitude, effort and mentality coming off the bench.”
Idaho State had three other players in double figures. Emmit Taylor III (Yakama/Nez Perce) had 12 points and was 4-6 from the three-point line. He also had four rebounds.
