Nov. 26, 2008

Idaho State hosting Brigham Young Game Notes

Pocatello, ID --- "Why can't we get big teams to come to Pocatello?" is a question every ISU administrator and coach has heard before. On Saturday, it's time to for Bengal fans to come and and get their wish answered. One year after Joe O'Brien brought in the #9 Washington State Cougars into Holt Arena, Idaho State will host the Brigham Young Cougars at Holt Arena on Saturday night at 7:05 pm. Tickets are available Thursday and Friday through ISU's online ticket website for $15. Tickets at the door on Saturday go up to $20.

The Bengals and the Cougars have played only once in Pocatello over the last 56 years, and that came in 1977, a year after ISU's elite eight run, and the Bengals won that game 94-87. Now, the Cougars will bring a 5-0 record to Holt Arena.

The Bengals, who also host Utah and Utah State in Holt Arena this year, have lost three straight games, all in overtime, a far cry from last year's team that also started 1-3 but suffered 21 and 15-point losses.

Amorrow Morgan is averaging 22.3 for the Bengals, and Demetrius Monroe has had four straight double-doubles to open the season, and they will need more of the same to battle probable NBA draft pick Lee Cummard and Jonathan Tavernari.

The Cougars enter the game 5-0, and they own the nation's longest home court winning streak at 51 straight in the Marriott Center, but of course, they are coming into the confines of Holt Arena, and a playoff-like atmosphere should be present for perhaps the biggest home game for Idaho State in the last 25 years.

Seats are still available, but most of the lower bowl seating is already sold. The game can be heard in Pocatello on ISU's flagship ESPN Radio at 930 AM KSEI, or 1230 AM KRXK Rexburg. Jerry Miller and Brad Bugger will have the call.