Preview: Sacramento State at Idaho State in Big Sky Men’s Basketball Opener POCATELLO, Idaho (Interstat) — The Big Sky Conference men’s basketball schedule opens on New Year’s Day with the Sacramento State Hornets visiting the Idaho State Bengals on Thursday at Holt Arena. The matchup features teams heading in opposite directions entering league play. Idaho State (7-6) looks to build on a non-conference record above .500, while Sacramento State (4-8) aims to halt a three-game skid. The Hornets are coming off a 100-88 road loss at Cal State Northridge on Dec. 22, their eighth defeat in the last ten outings. Their offense has shown flashes, led by dynamic guard Prophet Johnson. He scored 26 points in 34 minutes in the loss to CSUN and will be the primary focus for the Bengals’ defense. Idaho State also seeks to rebound from a home loss, falling 93-83 to UC Davis on Dec. 21. The Bengals have been strong at Holt Arena this season, posting a 5-2 record. They are led by guard Louis Bond, who was efficient in the loss to UC Davis, pouring in 19 points in just 17 minutes of action. The Bengals’ non-conference schedule included a dominant 82-50 win over Cal State Northridge, the same team that recently handled Sacramento State. Idaho State’s defense, which has held opponents to an average of 69.2 points per game, will test a Hornets squad that allows 80.2 points per contest. Sacramento State’s road struggles are a concern; they are 1-7 away from home this season. Their lone road win came in the season opener at Jessup University. Support for Johnson will be crucial, with guard Mikey Williams coming off a 19-point, 9-assist performance against CSUN. For Idaho State, balance is key. Alongside Bond, Lachlan Brewer (16 points vs. UC Davis) and Connor Hollenbeck (17 points) provide additional scoring threats. Thursday’s contest marks the beginning of the 20-game conference grind. A win provides immediate momentum in the Big Sky standings, while a loss forces an early climb. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MST.