MBB: Boise State (8-2) vs University of New Orleans (2-6)
Boise State University vs University of New Orleans
Date: Tuesday December 13,2022
Time:7:00pm MT
Stadium: Extra Mile Arena, (12,644)
Stream: Mountain West Network
Commentators: Lenard Barry and Brian King
Radio: KBOI 670 AM
Commentators: Bob Behler and Abe Jackson
Know Thy Enemy
They may hail from the “Big Easy” but nothing has been easy for the Privateers so far this season. Captain BRUNO doesn’t want to talk about their 2-6 start and the fact that they’ve lost their last three. UNO, picked to finish third in the Southland Conference, haven’t won since Thanksgiving Day in a three-point victory over IUPUI. It’s been a frustrating season thus far for coach Slessinger’s squad as two of their losses during their current skid have come by one single point. Things don’t get any easier for the boys as they now face a very confident Boise State team.
The Privateers are led by a trio of players in Jordan Johnson, Khaleb Wilson-Rouse, and Tyson Jackson. All three are averaging double figures in the score column and over 25 minutes per game. UNO has a rotation of 10 guys who see more than 11 minutes of floor time. Offensively New Orleans is averaging just about 68 points per game with a season high of 87 against IUPUI. On defense the Privateers are giving up over 81 points per game and just gave up a 100 to the Portland Pilots over the weekend. Looking further down the stat sheet UNO is being out rebounded by an average of 4 boards a game and as a team are shooting 43% from the floor and 67% from the charity stripe.
The Privateers are coached by Mark Slessinger. Slessinger was named the 12th head coach in Privateers history in 2011. He holds a 121-150 (.446) career record in nine seasons. Slessinger was named Southland Conference Coach of the year in the 2016-2017 season.
Tuesday will mark the third time these two squads have met in the teams short history. It will also mark the first time that the Privateers have come to Boise to play the Broncos. Boise State is 2-0 against New Orleans winning in both a neutral site game in 2012 and in New Orleans in 2013.
What Happened Last Time
Boise State scored 100 points for the third time in four games en route to earning its first road win of the year with a 100-80 victory back in 2013. Broncos legends Anthony Drmic and Derrick Marks both scored 24 points to lead all scorers.
Boise State jumped out to a 24-5 lead in the first nine minutes, holding New Orleans to just 1-of-15 shooting during that stretch. Boise States stellar defense in the first half gave them a 52-28 lead at the break. ‘
The Privateers tried their best to get back in it after their poor shooting first half by shooting over 62% in the second half and ultimately outscoring the Broncos 52-48 in the second half, but the deficit was too much to overcome.
The Privateers were paced by Cory Dixon who scored a team-high 23 points.
Player to Watch
NEW ORLEANS
JR., JORDAN JOHNSON, G#1
The 6’1” junior from Memphis has really been “old reliable” for the Privateers this season. Johnson has scored in the double figures in all but one game this season when he finished with just seven against the Pilots last time out. He’s also leading the team with 29 assists. If the Broncos can make him earn it at the freethrow line he might have a rough time as he is only shooting 67% from the line.
BOISE STATE
JR., CHIBUZO AGBO, G #11
Remember when Agbo made his Broncos debut and scored zero points and fouled out in only 10 minutes of playing time? It seems like a lifetime ago as Agbo has really turned it on and shown his true colors. Last time out he was really the only Bronco who had the hot hand as he went 6-of-13 and 3-of-5 from deep with his team high 18 points. He was also 3 for 3 from the charity stripe. Agbo really can be that “go-to” scorer that Boise State will need when the rest of the team is having an off night. His ability to rise above his defender and hit a jumper is invaluable.
PROBABLE STARTERS
Boise State
NEW ORLEANS
Rev's Route to a Bronco Win
BUILD A LEAD
Not too innovative here with a key to the game, but the Privateers have shown this season if they get down by any considerable amount they just about pack it in for the night. If this were NCAA 2K8 they would “quit and sim to end.”However, if UNO keeps it close they will fight to the very last minute. Boise State can’t afford to get off to another slow start like they did against Saint Louis and allow a struggling UNO team to hang around past halftime.
5 for 5
Only once this season has Boise State’s starting five all scored in the double digits. Consequently in that game Boise State routed Utah Valley by 18 points. If Boise State can get all five scoring the basketball the Privateers are in for a long night.
Editor Note:
One At A Time
Tyson Degenhart spoke to the media Monday afternoon and was asked about what it’s like being on this hot streak and he said something that I thought spoke loudly as to what the mindset and goals for this team are this season. He said, “We feel good but we have unfinished business. We still got to continue to play each game and continue to win. Winning one game isn’t going to do what we want to do this year. We have to continue to win and take one game at a time and you know we will reach our goals if we continue to do that.” I think the guys that are still on this team from last years’ championship run and NCAA tournament game want to not only repeat as champions but have a better showing in the “Big Dance.” This Tuesday is just another game for this team. Degenhart reiterated that no matter what their record is they are going to give the Broncos their best shot. UNO is struggling big time this year against better teams, but the Broncos won’t be able to sleep walk through this one.
This one looks like a lot of games this year. The Broncos defense is elite and the offense does “whatever it takes to win.”
Boise State 75, New Orleans 60
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