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Boise State and Wyoming will face off Saturday night at Arena-Auditorium Stadium. Each team's seasons are trending in opposite directions.Boise State has raced off to a fast 5-1 start in Conference play with their only loss coming to unbeaten San Diego State (6-0).
The Broncos look to keep pace with SDSU.The Cowboys on the other hand have been inconsistent all year. Cowboy fans have watched impressive wins be followed up by lackluster performances. The latest occurrence came Thursday in which the Cowboys fell to Nevada for the second time in six games.
None of the burden can be put on Senior guard Josh Adams so far. Adams has been terrific, averaging a Mountain West Conference high 23.9 points per game and has been the sole manufacturer of offense at times.
Like Adams, fellow senior James Webb III leads the way for Boise State. Webb is Mr. do everything for the Broncos. He leads the team in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks per game while shooting over 50 percent from the field. Webb had a monster performance in the tromping of San Jose State, scoring 24 points and grabbing 18 rebounds.
However, Wyoming will be without Adams as the Mountain West has suspended him one game.
"Wyoming senior guard Josh Adams has been issued a one-game suspension for accumulated violations of Mountain West Rule 4 Sportsmanship," the conference said in a press release. "Adams will be prohibited from participating in the Cowboys' next game, which is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 23 vs. Boise State."
In basic terms that just means that Adams has picked up too many technical fouls.
Matchup of the Game
G Mikey Thompson vs G Jason McManamen
While most are going to keep their focus on Mountain West Player of the Year candidates Josh Adams and James Webb, the game may hinge on the play of the other guards. Both Mikey Thompson and Jason Mcmanamen provide key secondary scoring, averaging 11.3 and 12.2 points per game respectively. While both players are explosive on the offensive end, they go about their business different ways.
Thompson is an athletic guard that can finish at the basket and uses his speed to his advantage. On the other side, McManamen is a pure three point shooter who relies on getting hot from beyond the arc. The Pace and the style of play may impact which guard can contribute to his team more.
Saturday night's game in Laramie will mark the first meeting between Wyoming and Boise State since last year's Mountain West Tournament semifinal thriller. Wyoming won 71-66 in overtime, and went on to win the MWC Tournament title over San Diego State to advance to the NCAA Tournament.
This time Wyoming will be without NBA first round pick Larry Nance Jr. With possible revenge on the mind and sights of a possible at-large bid on the line, look for Boise State to come out focused on the road in Laramie.