Idaho State men's basketball opened the 2026-27 season Monday night, falling 58-94 to Utah State inside the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum in Logan, Utah.
The Bengals struggled to maintain momentum after an early battle, ultimately suffering a 36-point defeat against the Aggies.
The game began with Idaho State trading baskets with Utah State, even holding a brief lead during the opening minutes. Ty Virgil provided a triple at the 17:04 mark of the first half to help give the Bengals an 8-4 advantage.
Utah State eventually took its first sustained lead and utilized a combination of interior scoring and transition opportunities to build separation. The Aggies closed the first half with a 37-29 lead.
In the second half, Utah State recorded an explosive performance, shooting 70.6 percent from the field and outscoring Idaho State 57-29. Kingston Tosi scored consistently around the basket during the decisive stretches that pushed the Aggies' lead beyond 20 points.
MaCarhy Morris led the Bengals with 15 points and five assists, shooting 6-of-13 from the field. Kenyon DeMuynck contributed 14 points, three rebounds, four blocks, and three steals. Ike Palmer provided an offensive spark off the bench, recording 10 points on perfect 3-of-3 field goal and 4-of-4 free-throw shooting.
Other players for Idaho State included Ty Virgil, Malachi Johnson, Nathan Amoran, Aden Goffe, Elijah Garner, and Malik Johnson, as well as Quin Patterson, Joven Dulay, McKae Amundsen, Landen Birley, and Bryce Lowenbach.
Utah State finished the game with 48 rebounds and 26 assists. The Aggies also held a 41-20 advantage in bench points and a 60-30 advantage in points in the paint.
Idaho State finished the game shooting 35.1 percent from the field, 12.0 percent from three-point range, and 62.5 percent from the free-throw line. The Bengals recorded 25 rebounds, eight assists, eight steals, six blocks, and 15 turnovers.
Idaho State will continue its 2026-27 campaign on the road at Wyoming on Friday, Nov. 6. The Bengals will then travel to the Air Force Academy for a game against the Fightin' Falcons on Sunday, Nov. 8.
