MBB: Boise State (1-2) vs Loyola University Chicago (2-1) Myrtle Beach Invitational
Boise State University vs Loyola University Chicago
Date: Friday November 18, 2022
Time: 7:30pm MT
Stadium:HTC Center (3,212)
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KBOI 670 AM
Commentators: Adam Frenier and Abe Jackson
Know Thy Enemy
Boise State looks to bounce back from a dreadful shooting performance when they return to action in game 2 of the Myrtle Beach Invitational Friday night. The Broncos draw the Ramblers of Loyola Chicago in a match up of NCAA tournament teams from a season ago.
The Ramblers might be most famous for their maroon and gold scarf wearing team Chaplain, Sister Jean, who in 2018 became the talk of the NCAA tournament as she, at age 98 then, cheered on her beloved Ramblers and accompanied the team all the way in their sensational Final Four run. Those days might be over, but the tradition of winning hasn’t. The Ramblers have made the Big Dance 3 of the last 5 seasons, and return 7 players from last year's roster.
This year the Ramblers have been off to a hot start with their 2-0 record before being bit by the turnover bug last night in their 66-85 loss to Tulsa in round one. Last night for the second time in as many games, forward Philip Alston led the charge for Loyola. So far this season it looks like Philip Alston and Senior big man Tom Welch are what makes this team “go.”
What Happened Last Time
These two teams met back in Loyola’s magical 2017-2018 season, during the Mountain West/Missouri Challenge game at Extra Mile Arena. Boise State got off to a hot start with an 11-0 run to begin the game.
Five Broncos scored in double figures including a team leading 20 points by Justinian Jessup. The Broncos made 16 three pointers in their dominating 87-53 rout of the Ramblers.
Player to Watch
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
SR., TOM WELCH, F #10
The Senior from Naperville, IL has been a force down low for the Ramblers so far this season. In three games Welch is a perfect 15-15 from the field and is nearly averaging a double-double with his 8.3 rebounds and 11.3 points per game. The 6’8” big man could cause issues for the Broncos on the glass on Friday Night
BOISE STATE
FIFTH YEAR., LUCAS MILNER, C #25
Sticking with the big man theme, Lucas Milner is tonight “Player to Watch” the Fifth Year player from Olathe, KS is playing big minutes, filling the shoes of departed starter Mladen Armus. MIlner had himself a night last Saturday against Washington State, but all but disappeared last night against Charlotte. Miner has to grow in his consistency going forward and he has another opportunity tonight against the Ramblers.
PROBABLE STARTERS
Boise State
WASHINGTON STATE
Rev's Route to a Bronco Win
Turn Them Over
Last night the Ramblers committed 22 turnovers in their loss. The Broncos have forced and average of 15 turnovers per game so far this season.Boise State will need to be active on the defensive end by disrupting passing lanes and on-ball defense to force some turnovers and convert those into points.
Better Start
Boise State has had slow starts in each game this season. Last night was no different, as they only scored 4 points through the first eight minutes and at one point went scoreless from the 7:42 mark until halftime. The Broncs found a bit of a groove in the second half tripling their first half scoring output. Boise State can’t afford to start off these games with such cold shooting if they want to win.
Editor Note:
Who’s Next?
With each of the four favored teams losing in round one, it guarantees that Boise State will see a power conference opponent in their final game on Sunday, between either Texas A&M or Colorado.
Good Garbage Time?
Last night Boise State found themselves emptying their bench and allowing some of their younger guys to play significant minutes down the stretch of the game. This could be one of those “moral victories” as the Broncos are searching to find those trusted player off the bench and any experience these young guys get early in the season could pay dividends come conference play.
Look for Boise State to bounce back in a close one.
Boise State 60, Loyola Chicago 59
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