MBB: Boise State (6-2) vs Eastern Oregon University (5-3,2-0)
Boise State University vs Eastern Oregon University
Date: Tuesday December 6,2022
Time:7:00pm MT
Stadium: Extra Mile Arena, (12,644)
Stream: Mountain West Network
Radio: KBOI 670 AM
Commentators: Bob Behler and Abe Jackson
Know Thy Enemy
The Mountaineers of Eastern Oregon come calling for a NAIA vs DI non conference matchup.EOU is coming off of their best season since 2017-2018 and are looking to build off a season that was cut short after losing in the opening round of the CCC Championships 57-58 to Lewis-Clark State. The Mounties, as their friends call them, were picked to finish fourth in the Cascade Conference this year.
EOU is in the middle of a stretch of playing four games in the span of a week when they visit the City of Trees. The Mounties have won three in a row including a 96-90 victory in overtime against Southern Oregon last time out.
Eastern is led by their senior point guard Phillip Malatare who is the quintessential floor general. Last time out Malatare took over in overtime scoring every single point for the Mountaineers to seal the victory. He finished with 22 points on 10 of 18 shooting, 10 rebounds and 6 assists.
Looking at the tale of the tape, the Mountaineers are scoring 75.8 points per game while shooting just over 43% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc. They are a 70% free throw shooting team and are being out rebounded by 1.5 rebounds per game so far this season.
Eastern Oregon is coached by Chris Kemp. Coach Kemp is in his first “official” season as head coach, but is in his second season on the sidelines after being named the interim prior to the 2021 season. Kemp has been with the EOU program since the 2017-18 season. Prior to coming to EOU Kemp was an assistant at North Idaho College. Kemp played his college ball at Arizona Christian University.
The Broncos and the Mounties have faced-off one time back in 2017.
What Happened Last Time
In their only other matchup, the Broncos opened their 2017 campaign with a dominating 104-65 win over the Mountaineers. 13 different Broncos saw the court and it was Alex Hobbs who stole the show scoring a then career-high 21 points. The sophomore was extremely efficient in his scoring, going a perfect 9-for-9 from the field in 25 minutes of play. The Broncos had three other players to join Hobbs in double digit scoring as Chandler Hutchison (20), Justinian Jessup (15), and Chris Sengfelder (15) all filled up the score sheet.
Player to Watch
EASTERN OREGON
SR., PHILLIP MALATARE, G #0
Reigning Cascade Conference Newcomer of the year Phillip Malatare is picking up right where he left off a season ago. The Junior from Arlee, MT is averaging 28.9 minutes and 16.4 points per game this season. Malatare has posted two double-doubles already this year and last time out against Southern Oregon, scored 22 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. If the Mountaineers need a spark of a bucket, Malatare is the guy they turn to in clutch situations.
BOISE STATE
FR., JACE WHITING, G #15
For the first time this season a bench player will be featured as a player to watch, but Jace Whiting is worth watching. The freshman guard from Burley, ID has garnered high praise from coach Rice and even Rice thinks Jace could be earning more playing time. The Freshman is averaging 14 minutes on the season and played 16 critical minutes last time against TAMU. Whiting also chipped in 6 points on 3-of-5 from the field. The Broncos should be able to get a lot of their bench players into this game and #15 has some potential to set some career-bests in this one. Boise State is still looking for those “go-to” players off the bench and #15 is pleading his case to see the floor.
PROBABLE STARTERS
Boise State
EASTERN OREGON
Rev's Route to a Bronco Win
“Zero” In
Phillip Malatare is the go-to player for the Mountaineers. He facilitates the offense and when it’s crunch time will try and create his own opportunities. Boise State’s priority on defense should be to stop #0 and make anyone but him try to beat them. Boise State has still only allowed one team to score more than 70 points all season.
Start Fast
Boise State showed on Saturday that they have the ability to start fast and never look back. The Broncos had runs of 8-2, 8-3, and 10-2 in the first half against Texas A&M. The Broncos never surrendered the lead and only let the Aggies tie the game once at 13. There is no reason that Boise State shouldn’t open this game wide open to the point where they empty their bench half way through the second half. Boise State needs to start fast and not look back
Editor Note:
Power Five Pounders
Boise State has proven that it’s not just a little team out West so far this season. The Broncos are 3-0 against teams that are in Power Five conferences. In each of their wins against Washington State, Colorado, and Texas A&M the Broncos have outscored their opponent by an average of 12.6 points. This is the first time in Program history where the Broncos have had three wins over power conference teams.
Boise State is playing inspired basketball and hasn’t lost since the opening round of the Myrtle Beach Invitational. Coach Rice seems to be dialing in his rotation and starting five. However, Rice should be able to get an extended look at some of his bench players as this one against EOU should be in hand early.
Boise State 95, Eastern Oregon 65
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