The Boise State men’s basketball team suffered a setback on January 10, 2024, falling to UNLV 89-85 in overtime. This loss marked the Broncos’ fifth defeat in the Mountain West Conference, leaving their record at 1-5. Entering a home game against Colorado State on January 12, Boise State faces mounting pressure after dropping four consecutive games.
Following the match, Broncos head coach Leon Rice expressed his concern about the team’s performance, emphasizing the need for improvement. “I’ve got to help them more, because we were right in position to win that game,” Rice stated. He identified critical mistakes that contributed to the loss, particularly the team’s defensive lapses and high turnover count.
Boise State recorded a troubling total of 15 turnovers, which resulted in 29 points for UNLV. Rice highlighted specific instances that exemplified the team’s struggles, stating, “We get a rebound, we throw it right to them, and they get a dunk. We don’t block out on a free throw, and they get a tip dunk.” Such errors proved costly, especially in a tightly contested game.
Key Moments and Missed Opportunities
Rice pointed out that despite the mistakes, the team had opportunities to capitalize on good plays. “We had enough out there to do it, and we were in the position to do it,” he noted. Acknowledging UNLV’s strong performance, he added, “But credit them, too. They made some big plays, some big defensive plays.”
The coach also reflected on the importance of making open shots, a critical area where the Broncos fell short. Boise State struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only three of 14 three-point attempts. “You’ve got to capitalize on those,” Rice remarked, emphasizing that shooters must step up in crucial moments.
Furthermore, Rice praised the team’s efforts in creating quality shot opportunities, particularly highlighting Spencer Ahrens for his playmaking abilities. “(Ahrens) did a great job of finding him, that’s why we put it in his hands. He can be a good decision-maker,” Rice noted, indicating a glimmer of hope in the team’s execution.
Moving Forward
As the Broncos prepare for their upcoming game against Colorado State, Rice remains focused on improving team cohesion and execution. He stated, “We’ve got to be better as a unit, five guys as a unit. When we get that, this team can be good.”
With a record of 9-8 overall and a pressing need to turn their fortunes around, Boise State will aim to bounce back and regain momentum in the Mountain West Conference. The challenge ahead is significant, but Rice is committed to guiding the team through these tough times. “I’ve got to keep helping these guys. I’ve got to help them more, I’ve got to be a better teacher because some of this stuff we’ve got to soak in better,” he concluded, highlighting the path forward for the Broncos.
