Northern Arizona vs Idaho State Prediction 2/5/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks and the Idaho State Bengals will meet on Thursday evening in a Big Sky matchup at Reed Gym in Pocatello, Idaho.

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Betting Preview

The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks enter Thursday night’s contest with an 8–15 record, including a 2–8 conference record and an 0-9 record on the road. The Lumberjacks have compiled wins over Justice College, Embry‑Riddle, Cal Poly, and Southeast Missouri State, while losing games to North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Drake and the Arizona Wildcats. Earlier this season, in the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 69–68 loss to North Dakota State, Northern Arizona forward Zack Davidson tallied 20 points (7 of 12 shooting from the field), 4 rebounds and 1 steal showcasing his ability to lead the Lumberjacks frontcourt.

The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks average 68.7 points on 45.2 percent shooting from the field and 36.5 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Lumberjacks are allowing opponents 78.1 points per game.

Sophomore forward Zack Davidson leads the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks averaging 14 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1 assist per game. Junior guard Ryan Abelman adds 11.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 steals per contest, while junior guard Isaiah Shaw contributes 9 points and 2.3 rebounds per contest. Senior forward Traivar Jackson provides a strong interior presence averaging 7.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

Idaho State Bengals Betting Preview

The Idaho State Bengals enter Thursday’s contest with a 10–13 record, including a 3–7 mark in conference play and a 6–3 record at home. Idaho State has compiled wins over Sacramento State, San Diego, Kansas City and Denver, while losing games to Portland State and Northern Colorado. In the Idaho State Bengals 85–72 loss to the Northern Colorado Bears earlier this season, Idaho State guard Jamison Guerra tallied 26 points (9 of 13 shooting from the field), 2 rebounds, 1assist and 1 steal.

The Idaho State Bengals average 73.9 points on 45.5 percent shooting from the field and 35.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Bengals are allowing opponents 76.6 points per game.

Forward Caleb Van De Griend leads Idaho State with 13.7 points and 7.0 rebounds on 58.3 percent shooting from the field per game. Guard Jamison Guerra averages 9.9 points and 2.5 assists per contest providing the Bengals backcourt depth. Forward Connor Hollenbeck adds 13.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game giving Idaho State a strong presence in the paint.

Why the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks will win

•            Quality guard play. Abelman and Shaw provide consistent perimeter scoring.

•            Interior presence. Davidson and Jackson provide rebounding, inside scoring, and rim protection.                       

Why the Idaho State Bengals will win

•             Home court advantage. The Bengals are 6–3 at home this season.

•            Backcourt production. Guard Jamison Guerra averages 9.9 points and 2.5 assists per contest and is coming off one of his strongest scoring performances of the season.

•            Efficient offense. Idaho State averages 73.9 points on 45.5% shooting from the field per game. Conversely, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks are averaging just 68.7 points per contest.

Northern Arizona vs. Idaho State Prediction

This matchup features the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks balanced scoring and quality perimeter shooting against an Idaho State Bengals team that has been a far better basketball team when playing at home in 2025. In my view, the clear side to be on in this matchup is the Idaho State Bengals. For that specific reason, I am backing the Idaho State Bengals to pull away late and win this game rather comfortably.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Idaho State -8.5