Idaho State vs Sacramento State Prediction 3/2/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Idaho State Bengals and the Sacramento State Hornets will meet on Monday night in a Big Sky Conference matchup at Hornet Pavilion in Sacramento, California.

Sacramento State Hornets Betting Preview

The Sacramento State Hornets enter Monday evening’s contest with a 9–20 win‑loss record, including a 5–12 mark in conference play and a 9-4 record at home. The Hornets have compiled recent wins over Weber State, Montana and Montana State, while losing games to Idaho, Eastern Washington, Baylor and the Pacific Tigers.

In the Sacramento State Hornets 104–90 victory over the Weber State Wildcats earlier this season, Hornets guard Prophet Johnson tallied a robust 35 points (11 of 16 shooting from the field:3 of 5 shooting from three-point range), 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, illustrating his ability to lead the Sacramento State Hornets backcourt.

These two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? Last month, the Idaho State Bengals defeated the Sacramento State Hornets 97-84.  

The Sacramento State Hornets average 76.8 points on 41.5 percent shooting from the field and 32.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Hornets are allowing opponents 84.9 points per game which ranks an abysmal 358th in the country.

Senior guard Prophet Johnson leads the Sacramento State Hornets averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.6 steals per game. Sophomore guard Mikey Williams averages 17.1 points, 3 rebounds, 4.5 assists on 36.3 percent shooting from the field per game.

Idaho State Bengals Betting Preview

The Idaho State Bengals enter Monday’s contest with a 12–16 record, including a 5–12 mark in conference play and a 3–11 record on the road. The Bengals have amassed wins over Sacramento State, San Diego, Kansas City and Denver, while losing games to Portland State and Northern Colorado.

Earlier this season, in the Idaho State Bengals 85–72 loss to the Northern Colorado Bears, Idaho State guard Jamison Guerra tallied 26 points (9 of 13 shooting from the field), 2 rebounds, 1assist and 1 steal illustrating his ability to lead the Idaho State offense.

The Idaho State Bengals average 73.8 points on 45.1 percent shooting from the field and 34.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Bengals are allowing opponents 77.6 points per game.

Forward Caleb Van De Griend leads Idaho State with 12 points and 6.5 rebounds on 45.1 percent shooting from the field per game. Guard Jamison Guerra averages 9.4 points and 2.3 assists per contest providing the Bengals backcourt depth. Forward Connor Hollenbeck adds 13.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game giving Idaho State a strong presence in the paint.

Why the Sacramento State Hornets Will Win

• Backcourt production. Senior guard Prophet Johnson leads the Sacramento State Hornets averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.6 steals per game.

• Balanced scoring. Prophet Johnson and Mikey Williams combine for over 35 points per contest.

Why the Idaho State Bengals Will Win

• Home court advantage. The Bengals are 6–4 at home this season.

• Last month, the Idaho State Bengals defeated the Sacramento State Hornets 97-84.  

• Defensive edge. The Idaho State Bengals are allowing 77.9 points per game. Conversely, the Bengals are allowing opponents 84.9 points per contest which ranks an abysmal 358th in the nation.  

Idaho State vs. Sacramento State Prediction

This matchup features a Sacramento State team that has been far more reliable at home relative to on the road against an Idaho State Bengals team that has struggled to defend consistently all season. Idaho State’s earlier win in the series shows they can compete, but Sacramento State’s strong play at home (9-4) and ability to push tempo give the Hornets the clearer path to victory. For the reasons just noted, I am backing Sacramento State to cover the 1.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Sacramento State -1.5