MBB: Boise State University (15-5, 5-2) vs Fresno State University (7-11, 3-4)
Boise State University vs Fresno State University
Date: Tuesday January 24,2023
Time:7:00pm MT
Stadium: ExtraMile Arena, (12,644)
TV: FS1
Commentators: David Gascon & Dave Miller
Radio: KBOI 670 AM
Commentators: Bob Behler and Abe Jackson
Know Thy Enemy
The Broncos are back in action after a heavyweight fight in Albuquerque last Friday night. This is a big week for Boise State as they host both Fresno State on Tuesday and Colorado State on Saturday. Boise State dropped into a four-way tie for second in the Mountain West with their loss last weekend to the Lobos. However, the Broncos can’t cry over spilt milk because the Bulldogs are looking for blood and wanting to take down another top team.
Fresno State comes into Tuesday night’s tilt with a rather non impressive resume at 7-11, 3-4 but they did take down both New Mexico and UNLV this year. Now UNLV has fallen off the cliff during Mountain West play, but a win against a ranked New Mexico team is nothing to shake a stick at.
The Bulldogs entered this season trying to replace their top scorer and best player from a season ago in Orland Robinson. They have found their answer in Southern Miss Graduate transfer Isiah Moore. Moore leads the team with 12.1 points per game and is shooting over %55 from the field. Moore also leads the team in offensive and defensive rebounds. The Bulldogs also return four starters from last year’s team. The most intriguing person on the roster however, is Jermarl Baker. Baker was limited to just five games last year due to a knee injury, but has been in the starting lineup in all 15 games he’s played this year. Baker previously had been at both Kentucky and Arizona, both college basketball blueblood programs, prior to landing at Fresno.
The Bulldogs, much like the Broncos pride themselves on their defensive play. Fresno State ranks second, behind Boise State, in defensive scoring, giving up just 62.9 points per game. However good their defense is, their offense just can’t score enough to win games. The team has only topped 70 three times this year and won two of those three.
Fresno State is coached by Justin Hutson. Hutson is in his fifth season as head coach of the Bulldogs. Prior to Fresno State, Hutson spent six seasons as the Assistant and Associate Head Coach at San Diego State. Huston has a career record of 74–60 (.552).
Fresno State trails it's all-time series with Boise State, 26-22 including losses in four of the last five meetings with the Broncos, but even at 5-5 in the last 10 contests between the conference foes
What Happened Last Season
Boise State swept the season series last year, winning game one 65-55 behind a stellar defensive effort along with clutch buckets. Boise State used a 17-5 run to close out the victory. Marcus Shaver Jr. led the Broncos with 18 points, including scoring or assisting on nine of the 17 points during the late run. Both Emmanuel Akot and Mladen Armus chipped in 12 points a piece. Orlando Robinsons scored a game-high 22 points for the Bulldogs.
In the second meeting Boise State would need more time than just the first 40 minutes to put the Bulldogs away. Marcus Shaver hit a game-tying shot at the end of regulation to force overtime, as Boise State prevailed over Fresno State 68-63. Shaver’s first attempt to tie the game was just long as it bounced off the rim and called out of bounds going to the Bulldogs. After a review, the ballw as giving back to the Broncos and Shaver was given another chance with 4.9 seconds on the clock. Getting the ball at the top of the arc, Shaver gave a beautiful pump fake to let the defender by him, then took a dribble before coolly sinking the game-tying shot and sending the game to overtime.
After Boise State scored eight-straight points to begin overtime, including four from Shaver, Fresno State responded with an eight-point run of its own to tie the game at 61 apiece with 1:26 remaining. On the other end, Kigab drew a foul and sank two big free throws to take back the lead with just over a minute on the clock. On defense the Broncos earned a stop that led to a dagger-three from Emmanuel Akot on the other end, putting Boise State up 66-61 with 25.3 seconds on the clock. Akot led the Broncos in points (16), rebounds (7) and assists (5)
Player to Watch
FRESNO STATE
SR., JERMAL BAKER Jr., G #1
The senior out of Menifee, CA was expected to do great things for the Bulldogs, but a knee injury early in the season last year cut his season short and the Arizona transfer is just now getting into the groove of things and showing Bulldog nation what he can really do. Baker was a part of Kentucky’s Elite 8 run in 2019 and then played two seasons at Arizona where he played 44 games in his time in Tucson. This season with Fresno Baker is second on the team in points, averaging just over 11 points per game. Even though he is second on the team in scoring, he is their #1 option on offense. Baker leads the team in both three point and field goal attempts this season. Baker was back for the first time in three games on Saturday against UNLV, but only had 3 points.
BOISE STATE
SO., TYSON DEGENHART, G#2
People, especially national game commentators need to start putting respect on Degenhart’s name. He may look unassuming with his clean shaven smile, but #2 is a baller. Degenhart is all heart and does anything coach Rice needs him to do. Degenhart scored a career-high 28 points last time out and it won’t be long until that career-high number is over 30. It might even happen sooner than you think.
PROBABLE STARTERS
Boise State
FRESNO STATE
Rev's Route to a Bronco Win
Under 70
This one is simple and straightforward, if Boise State holds Fresno State under 70 points they will win. Fresno State has only topped 70 three times this year and coincidentally, Boise State has only allowed more than 70 three times this year. Boise State in an off night of shooting scored 79 points last Friday. Their offense is coming into form at the right time. Boise State’s defense is down right nasty. This one could get ugly if the Broncos get in an offensive zone.
Finish the Deal
Friday night, Boise State ended the first half on an 8-2 run and took a six point lead into half. They had an opportunity to extend their lead to double digits, but an early turnover and a missed layup kept the Lobos within six points and eventually they would tie the game. After a back and forth game where the Broncos erased multiple five-point deficits to force Overtime it looked like Boise State would take over and win the game in the extra frame. However, two costly turnovers by Mo Silla gave the Lobos the life they needed. Even a career night from Degenhart wasn’t enough for the Broncos. Boise State needs to finish the deal. When they have the other team on the ropes they need to land the haymaker, knockout punch.
Editor Note:
It’s been said through the media that this Boise State team doesn't seem like the type of team that will lose a game in which they are favored. I too think this is the case. Boise State is favored and should be favored in their next three games. Boise State should be 8-2 heading into the showdown against San Diego State on the first Friday of February, but I’m getting ahead of myself. Boise State will come out with a bigger chip on their shoulder knowing they let one slip away and they won’t put themselves in that position again anytime soon. Boise State cruises to a win in this one.
Boise State 75, Fresno State 55
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