POCATELLO - Leading up to tip-off, everyone on the Idaho State men's basketball team agreed that it was time for Austin Kilpatrick to play a good game.

With Kal Bay, their top 3-pointer shooter, out for at least four weeks with a broken shooting hand the Bengals desperately needed someone else to make outside shots.

Kilpatrick, who has had a disappointing season but showed everyone that he could drain 3-pointers in bunches as a freshman, was the obvious choice to fill that role.

Junior guard Amorrow Morgan knew it, Bay knew it and so did Idaho State coach Joe O'Brien. They each pulled Kilpatrick aside this week and had one-on-one meetings with him in hopes that they would spark his confidence.

And after a week of talk, Kilpatrick responded. During a 77-67 victory over Montana on Thursday at Holt Arena, Kilpatrick played by far his best game of the season. He scored 10 points, hit three 3-pointers, dished out four assists, snared four rebounds and even blocked a shot.

"He was very big tonight," O'Brien said. "He came in and was immediately a factor."

Throughout the game, Kilpatrick looked much more carefree than normal. After misses, he didn't show disappointment and after makes he didn't pump his fist. He just played the game.

"It just felt really good," he said. "I had a talk with coach O'Brien, and with him and Amorrow pushing me in practice I got in a rhythm and it worked. I tried not to get down on myself and just relax."

Now, Morgan said he expects Kilpatrick to bring that type of effort every game.

"Austin was ready," he said. "He played like we need him to. I was impressed with how he played offensively and defensively. He came in and got some big blocks, got the crowd involved and hit three 3s. If he can do that night in. night out it will make us a totally different team."

Carson on Johnson

Donnie Carson was back in Idaho State's staring lineup on Thursday, and O'Brien said he went with the junior guard because he wanted him to defend Montana's Anthony Johnson.

Johnson has scored more than 30 points in two recent games and he was priority No. 1 for Idaho State's defense.

Though Johnson scored 20 points on the night, O'Brien said he believed Carson did a terrific job defending him.

"Donnie only took one shot tonight, but he did a great job defending Anthony Johnson," he said.

Busma gets some blocks

Deividas Busma had his best defensive game of the year against Montana.

On top of grabbing four rebounds, the seven-foot center blocked four shots and made the Grizzlies adjust most of their shots as they attacked the basket.

"Dave played really well and blocked shots like we need him to," Morgan said.