Boise State drops thriller to Evansville, 72-67

The Mountain West-Missouri Valley Challenge did not get off to the start that MWC fans hoped as Boise State’s comeback bid against Evansville fell short, as the Aces held on for a 72-67 win Saturday afternoon.

Jaylon Brown guided Evansville (4-4) with 21 points, 11 of those coming at the free throw line. Ryan Taylor (14), Willie Wiley (13) and Duane Gibson (10) also finished in double figures for the Aces, which topped Fresno State 85-77 in last year’s MWC-MVC Challenge.

Chandler Hutchison led Boise State (4-4) with 19 points and seven rebounds, fouling out in the final minute as BSU tried to complete the comeback. After a Ryan Taylor three-pointer made it 65-55 with 3:40 remaining, Boise State used an 11-1 run as Nick Duncan tied the game up at 66 apiece with 87 seconds left.

However, the Broncos couldn’t seal the deal. Chandler Hutchison missed a floater on the following possession and James Reid turned the ball over on the next offensive set.

Boise State will now head to Los Angeles to tangle with Loyola Marymount (2-2) on Monday night.