Boise State Blows Big Lead

I always laugh when I see the unlucky team metric. But it truly feels like this Boise State basketball team is cursed. The Broncos endured another heartbreaking finish on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Boise State had one of their best starts of the year, but couldn’t build on the momentum.

The Broncos had one of their most well balanced offensive performances of the year. They were able to build double digit leads in both halves and had five players in double figures, led by Derrick Alston’s 21 points off the bench. Boise State finally had the shooting performance they were looking for, shooting 50% from the field and 43% from the three point line. BSU also got some long awaited offensive production from senior big man Zach Haney, who chipped in 12 points.

The Broncos solid offensive performance was matched by an equally poor defensive performance. Boise State allowed six Rebels to score in double figures, led by Kris Clyburn’s 21 points. BSU continued to get pushed around in the paint and the rebounding problems that have followed them much of the season, reared their ugly head again on Saturday. The Broncos were out redbounded 39-24, a substantial number, especially on the road.

Jusinian Jessup hit a jump shot with one second left in regulation to send the game into overtime, but the Broncos struggled to stop the Rebels in the extra period, ultimately falling 85-81. BSU travels to New Mexico on Wednesday, for their last road contest of the year against the Lobos.