POCATELLO, Idaho (Interstat) — The Montana Grizzlies visit the Idaho State Bengals in a Big Sky Conference men’s basketball matchup Thursday night at Holt Arena, with both teams looking to steady themselves late in the season. Montana (14-12, 7-6 Big Sky) enters having lost three of its last four, including an 82-71 home defeat to rival Montana State on Feb. 14. The Grizzlies will lean on guard Money Williams, who is averaging 22.4 points over his last seven games. He scored 25 in the recent loss to the Bobcats and had 17 points and five assists in a 69-60 win over Idaho State on Jan. 24. Idaho State (10-17, 3-11) is mired in a nine-game losing streak, most recently a 99-69 road loss at Idaho on Feb. 14. Forward Caleb Van De Griend has provided a recent bright spot, scoring in double figures in six of the last seven games, including 13 points and five rebounds against the Vandals. The Bengals’ skid began with that Jan. 24 loss in Missoula, where they shot just 38% from the field. Reversing that offensive struggle at home is a priority. Holt Arena has offered little refuge, however, as Idaho State is 1-7 in conference play on its own floor. For Montana, staying in the upper tier of the Big Sky standings is critical with four games remaining after this contest. Beyond Williams, forward Te’Jon Sawyer (22 points vs. Montana State) and guard Grant Kepley (seven assists in that game) are key contributors. The Grizzlies won the season’s first meeting by controlling the paint and forcing 14 Bengals turnovers. Replicating that defensive pressure will be their focus. Idaho State, seeking to snap its prolonged slump, must find consistent scoring beyond Van De Griend to challenge a Montana team it has not beaten since February 2024. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.