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Games after a tough loss can be scary. Depending on how a team reacts, either they can take out the frustrations on the next team and dominate, or let the previous game hang, and take another loss. Hangover games are never fun, but are a reality of sports. While San Jose State was 6-12 coming into tonight's match up with the Broncos, they're more formidable than they've looked. They were able to knock off Wyoming 62-55 and Montana 64-61 because sports are weird.
The Broncos looked to avoid another loss, and being upset by the Spartans.
And it appeared that the Broncos would start off with the former. Immediately going on a 11-0 run to start the game. The Broncos clearly wanted to prove that the 3 point drought versus San Diego State was an anomaly as well, as Nick Duncan hit 5 out of his first 6 three pointers by the 8:28 mark.
Duncan had 20 points before the half. He was 6-11 FG, and 6-10 from the three point line. He also had 2 rebounds for good measure.
Hutchison had a relatively quiet night offensively, missing all four shots he took.
James Webb had 11 points and 9 rebounds. And a pretty sick dunk.
The Broncos at one point had a 17 point lead against San Jose State.
The Spartans appeared outmatched early on which sparked some creative lineups from the Broncos. At one point, the lineup included: Alford, Austin, Webb, Drmic, and Duncan (you know, for the threes).
Spartans were not without their efforts. Ryan Welage was impressive shooting 6-7 from the field, 2-2 beyond the arc, and 3 rebounds. Amazingly he missed the one free throw he had in the first half.
After Welage, Brandon Clark had four points and five rebounds.
Spartans had missed all free throws that were afforded them (five) while the Broncos were 5-6.
The Broncos opened the second half slowly (stop me if you've heard this one). While Webb did open up the second half with a score, the Spartans responded with a 9 point barrage that closed the gap to 47-41. Finally a layup by Duncan stopped the Bronco drought and the Broncos had a 7-0 run of their own to extend the lead to 13.
Duncan nabbed his fourth foul at the 18:02 mark and would sit the bench for a large portion of the second half.
Webb continued his reign of just doing totes ridic things.
hehehe webbie is life #dunk #boisestate pic.twitter.com/YRxrrTZh5Z
— T (@reflectivity) January 21, 2016
Duncan's night ended without another three pointer. He ended the night with 24 points 6-12 shooting from the three, and 4 rebounds.
Drmic had 7 points and 5 rebounds.
Webb was THIS CLOSE to 20-20. He ended the night with 24 points and a career high 18 rebounds. He also had an assist for good measure.
Welage for the Spartans started out with 14 points and 3 rebounds in the first half. He would end the game 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Clark would finish with the only other double-double on the court with 13 and 11 for the Spartans.
The usual Bronco slow start to the second half did not get as close as Broncos fans are used to, and the Broncos were able to bloat their lead all the way to 28.
All-in-all a complete performance throughout—the 9 point Spartan run not withstanding. Broncos move to 14-5 overall, 5-1 in the Mountain West, and will continue conference play this Saturday on the road in Laramie, Wyoming.