by Andrew Hunt, Idaho State Athletics
POCATELLO, Idaho- The Idaho State men’s basketball team defeated the Northwest University Eagles 89-48 Saturday afternoon at Reed’s Gym.
Austin Smellie led the way with 20 points on 6-7 shooting. He was a perfect 3-3 from the three-point line. Emmit Taylor III (Yakama/Nez Perce) added 16 and was 4-6 from beyond the arc Tarik Cool scored 13 points, all in the first half.
For the game, the Bengals shot an impressive 56.9 percent from the field and was 11-22 from beyond the arc. ISU went 12-15 from the free throw line while the Eagles only shot 5-8.
The game was never in question as the Bengals lead the entire way. The Bengals started the game on a 6-0 run and did not look back. Smellie was a perfect 4-4 from the field and had 12 first half points.
Idaho State led 21-14 with 10 minutes left in the first half. The Bengals then held Northwest scoreless for just under five minutes, allowing them to lead 28-16 following a Smellie free throw. Northwest managed only six points the rest of the way as ISU led 42-22 at halftime.
The second half was no different as ISU would lead by as many as 45 points at 85-40 following a basket by Malik Porter.
All 15 players suited up for the Bengals saw game time leading to 39 bench points from ISU to the Eagles 19.
