Idaho State vs Northern Colorado Prediction 1/8/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Idaho State Bengals and the Northern Colorado Bears meet Thursday in college basketball action from the Bank of Colorado Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Idaho State Bengals vs. Northern Colorado Bears prediction.

Idaho State Bengals Recap

The Idaho State Bengals come into this game looking to bounce back from their 93-87 OT loss at the hands of Portland State last time out to sit at 8-7 this season. After this game, Idaho State will head on the road for a game against Northern Arizona.

Bengals Alternate Wins & Losses In 6 Straight

Caleb Van de Griend leads the Bengals in scoring and rebounding with 14.5 PPG and 7.3 RPG while Connor Hollenbeck has 14.4 PPG with 4.7 RPG and 2.1 APG this season. Martin Kheil has 10 PPG with 2.5 RPG to round out the trio of double-digit scorers for Idaho State so far this season. Lachlan Brewer has 9.9 PPG with 4 RPG and Jamison Guerra has 8.8 PPG with 2.4 RPG and a team-high 4.7 APG to lead the Bengals in assists this season. As a team, Idaho State is averaging 77.8 PPG on 46.6% shooting from the field, 35.6% from three and 72.8% from the foul line this season. 

Northern Colorado Bears Recap

The Northern Colorado Bears come into this game looking to bounce back from their 88-79 loss at the hands of Montana last time out to sit at 10-5 this season. After this game, Northern Colorado will head home for a game against Weber State.

Bears Drop 4 Of Last 5

Quinn Denker leads the Bears in scoring and assists with 18 PPG and 6.4 APG along with 4.2 RPG while Brock Wisne has 16.3 PPG and a team-high 6.3 RPG to lead the Bears in rebounding in addition to 2.9 APG. Zach Bloch has 13.2 PPG with 2.9 RPG and 2.9 APG and Ibu Yamazaki has 10.4 PPG with 3.5 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Northern Colorado so far this season. Egan Shields has 7.6 PPG with 6.2 RPG as well so far this season. As a team, Northern Colorado is averaging 85.5 PPG on 49.2% shooting from the field, 37.3% from three and 75.9% from the foul line this season.

Idaho State Bengals @ Northern Colorado Bears Betting Trends: January 8, 2026

Why the Northern Colorado Bears will win

• Northern Colorado has won each of its last seven night games at Bank of Colorado Arena.
• Idaho State has lost eight of its last nine games at Bank of Colorado Arena.
• Northern Colorado has won the first half in each of its last seven night games at Bank of Colorado Arena.

Why the Idaho State Bengals will win

• Northern Colorado has lost four of its last five games.
• Idaho State has won each of its last three road games after coming off overtime.
• Northern Colorado has lost the first half in each of its last three games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of the last seven games between Idaho State and Northern Colorado have produced a total of 158+ points.
• Each of Idaho State’s last seven road games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 149 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Northern Colorado ranks 363rd among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (4.2).
• Northern Colorado ranks T16th among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (10.4).
• Idaho State ranks 9th among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game this season (29.3).

Idaho State Bengals vs. Northern Colorado Bears Prediction

I’m on Northern Colorado here. I get the case to be made for either side here, but Northern Colorado for me was one of my front-runners in the Big Sky, and I think that they’re a better team than their current run of form would indicate. The Bengals have just been far too inconsistent for my liking and I think that the Bears get the job done at home. Give me Northern Colorado.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Northern Colorado -3.5