krobinett@journalnet.com

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Amorrow Morgan hasn't experienced many off nights this season.

The junior guard came into Thursday's game leading Idaho State in scoring, averaging nearly 16 points per game.

He scored an amazing 31 points in a double-overtime loss at Boise State and was Idaho State's only legitimate scoring threat early in the season.

But against the Phoenix, he scored a measly four points and wasn't at all a factor in the game.

"It was tough for me out there," he said.

Ever since Morgan's explosion against the Broncos, teams have begun to focus their defenses against stopping him. Idaho State coach Joe O'Brien said Wisconsin-Green Bay's pressure defense had something to do with Morgan's off night. So did the three fouls he picked up in the first half.

But more than anything, O'Brien said he felt Morgan wasn't prepared to play.

"I don't think I've ever seen Amorrow less ready to play a basketball game in two years," O'Brien said. "I have no idea why that is. But it surprised me."

High praise?

Maybe Wisconsin-Green Bay coach Tod Kowalczyk was watching a different game than everyone else at the Resch Center. Maybe he thought his basketball team simply played really well. Or maybe he thought Idaho State just had an off night.

Whatever the reason, Kowalczyk praised the Bengals like no opposing coach in quite some time.

"We surely beat a good basketball team tonight," he said. "I'm impressed with Idaho State. That's a heck of a team we beat tonight. Idaho State is going to lose very little in the Big Sky. That's the best team in that league, I promise you. At the end of the season, this is going to look like a great win for us."

Good game for Bay

If there was a bright spot to find in this loss, O'Brien said it was the play of junior guard Kal Bay.

The JUCO transfer looked confident shooting the ball and knocked down three 3-pointers to help Idaho State take an early lead. He also made two incredible passes in traffic. But because his teammates weren't ready for one of the behind-the-back passes, he only collected one assist.

"It was nice to Kal knock a few down," O'Brien said.

Bay thought it was even nicer.

"I was happy to finally get some shots going for myself," he said. "That felt good. It's just unfortunate I had to do it in a game like this."

Still dunkless

Idaho State came oh-so-close to picking up its first dunk of the season.

After a turnover at midcourt, senior guard Matt Stucki was all alone on a breakaway. He took extra steps as he approached the basket and he was in position to throw one down. But as he rose above the rim, he lost full control of the ball and had to settle for a layup.

"I've got old-man legs," Stucki joked. "That's all that stopped me there."