PREVIEW | MBB: BOISE STATE (2-1) VS VIRGINIA TECH (3-1) *ESPN EVENTS INVITATIONAL*
Boise State University vs Virginia Tech University
Date: Thursday, November 24, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm MT
Stadium: State Farm Field House, Orlando, FL (5,000)
TV: ESPN2
Stream: Mountain West Network
Radio: KBOI 670 AM
Commentators: Leonard Berry and Abe Jackson
Know Thy Enemy
The Broncos continue their roadtrip with a stop at the ESPN Events Invitational in Orlando, FL. Boise State will play three games in four days in this early season tournament. The field includes eight teams, and six of which made the NCAA tournament a year a go. First up is the Hokies of Virginia Tech. The Hokies are 3-1 on this young season with wins over Coppin State, Campbell and Wafford. Their lone loss came against South Carolina, which was on the road at the Hall of Fame Series.
The Hokies have a ‘big three’ of their own with a backcourt of Sean Pedulla and Hunter Cattoor and big man Lynn Kidd. Pedulla had his first career double-double this year against Coppin state, Hunter Cattoor is only three three point field goals away from the all-time VT career record and Lynn Kidd has had two double-doubles through the first four games. Kidd is also one of the breakout stories of the ACC early on. He went from a player who only saw action in seven games his freshman year at Clemson to now averaging 17.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game this season. The Hokies have really been impressive in the early going of this season. So impressive that they lead the ACC in free throws made per game and assists per game. VT is getting to the line and averaging almost 19 made free throws per game. The Hokies have manufactured at least 20 assists twice through four games this year.
Defensively the Hokies have not allowed more than 79 points this seasons nd have held their opponent under 55, twice.
Virginia Tech is coached by Mike Young. Coach Young is in his 5th season at VT with a record of 76-52. His career record is 375-296 over 22 years of coaching.
Thursday will the first meeting between the two schools. The Broncos are set to face their second straight ACC foe this week after dropping the first game at Clemson on Sunday. VT is 3-2 all-time against current members of the Mountain West having played New Mexico three times, and Colorado State and UNLV each once.
What Happened Last Time
There has never been a meeting between these two schools on the Hardwood, but we all remember what Kellen Moore and the Football team did to the Hokies in D.C. that one year!
Player to Watch
VT
GA., HUNTER CATTOOR, G #0
Orlando Native Hunter Cattoor will be able to play in front of his family and friends this Thanksgiving. Cattoor has played a total of five games in the Sunshine State throughout his college career. HIs homecoming is extra special this year because his dad, Rodney, was recently declared in remission after battling pancreatic cancer over last year. Cattoor is like a coach on the floor for the Hokies and will look to keep VT on the winning track against the Broncos.
BOISE STATE
SR., MAX RICE, G #12
You have to think Max Rice came back for a sixth year in hopes to get back to the NCAA tournament and get that first tournament win in program history. However, the usual sharp shooter has been off the mark this season. So far through three games, Rice is only shooting 25% from three and only 33% from the field. He’s only hit double figures one time this season and last time out against Clemson he only shot 2 of 7 for seven points. Max has got to find his stroke if he and the Broncos want to make any noise this weekend.
PROBABLE STARTERS
BOISE STATE
CLEMSON
Rev's Route to a Bronco Win
Windex
The Broncos pride themselves on rebounding the ball on both ends of the floor, but on Sunday, especially in the second half the Broncos lost battle on the boards and ultimately lost the ballgame. Coach Rice said, “That game was lost on the glass. We haven’t been (beaten) like that in (a long time)...Our defense did a really good job. If you take away those offensive rebounds—but it’s not a stop until you get the rebound. That's the difference. Going up against this stretch of quality opponent the Broncos have to get back to their rebonding ways.
Star Power
The additions of Cam Martin, O’Mar Stanley and other have been great, but if Boise State is going to do anything this year they have to get their star, TD2 into a groove and let him do his thing. Sunday, Degenhart was held to just 2 of 7 from the field and seven points. Things are going to go the right way until Tyson is scoring the basketball like we know he can.
Revs Rant and Prediction
Road Warriors
Sunday’s game was a stinker…well the second half was a stinker. Let’s just hope that the cross country travel and the first away game was the cause of the melt down. Let’s hope that because the Broncos are going to play three games in four days against five other teams that made the NCAA tournament last year including Final Four team FAU. If Boise State can come out of this tournament winning more than they lose, it will really pay dividends when they go on the road to some of these hostile arenas in conference play.
As far as this one goes, if Boise State can get back to playing Bronco Basketball, which is defensive, fundamental basketball, I think they can play with almost anyone in the country. If they don't, things like Sunday will become the norm. I’m not sure though if this team has found its groove offensively and the Hokies are hitting on all cylinders so far this season. Boise State loses its second game in an up and down battle.
Boise State 77, Virginia Tech 83
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