| MATCHUP | Montana State Bobcats | Idaho State Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 15-12 | 11-17 |
| Spread | -2.5 -102 | +2.5 -118 |
| Moneyline | -135 | +114 |
| Total | Over 144.5 (-108) | Under 144.5 (-112) |
| Where | Reed Gym, Pocatello, ID | |
| When | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Montana State Bobcats and the Idaho State Bengals meet Saturday in college basketball action from Reed Gym in Pocatello. Here’s a Montana State vs Idaho State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Montana State vs Idaho State pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Montana State Bobcats Betting Preview
The Bobcats posted a 9-7 run over their first 16 games, then lost to Idaho on January 10. Wins over Montana, Northern Colorado, Idaho State and Weber State followed, then a 2-3 run with losses to Sacramento State, Portland State and Eastern Washington alongside wins over Idaho and Montana. Montana State was sitting on a 15-11 record over their first 26 games of the year.
On Thursday versus Weber State, the Bobcats held a 29-28 advantage in the locker room. After a 39-38 deficit in the second half however, Montana State had to go to overtime. Following the extra period, the Bobcats had a tough loss on the road 82-79. Jeremiah Davis (two assists; one rebound) and Patrick McMahon (six rebounds; one assist) each had a team-high 17 points.
Idaho State Bengals Betting Preview
Over on the Idaho State side, they managed to post a .500 record over their first 16 games then beat Northern Arizona and Idaho in consecutive outings. Losses to Eastern Washington, Montana State, Montana, Weber State, Portland State, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, Eastern Washington and Idaho came next though, giving the team a 10-17 record through 27 games.
Matched up against Idaho on Thursday the Bengals were clinging to a 39-37 lead going into the second half. Idaho State hit a 34-32 run from there to keep the Grizzlies at bay and power out a 73-69 victory on their home floor in the end. Leading the way was Gus Etchison with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists. Lachlan Brewer added 11 points with three boards.
Montana State Bobcats @ Idaho State Bengals Betting Trends: February 21, 2026
Why the Idaho State Bengals will win
- Montana State has lost seven of its last eight day games against the Big Sky Conference.
- The home team has won seven of Idaho State’s last nine games.
Why the Montana State Bobcats will win
- Idaho State has lost each of its last seven day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Montana State has won eight of its last nine games following an overtime loss.
- Idaho State has lost the first half in five of its last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Montana State vs Idaho State Prediction
I’ll stay with the Bobcats. Montana State is coming off a tough road loss to Weber State this week, despite shooting a very nice 50 percent from the field. The Bobcats did get outmuscled on the boards 40-30 however, and had 12 turnovers along the way. Montana State is a very shaky 2-4 in their last six games but overall they’re scoring pretty well.
Back on January 22 when these teams last met up, the Bobcats secured a 74-62 victory at home. Montana State shot 43.8 percent from the field in that one with 40.7 percent (11-of-27) from 3-point range, 30 rebounds and just six turnovers. The defense was pretty solid, as the Bobcats gave up just 40.7 percent shooting from the field. I like Montana State to bag another victory/cover in the road rematch.