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Bulldogs 74, Broncos 67
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On a night honoring Boise State seniors, James Reid, Nick Duncan, and Matt Grooms, Duncan entered the game with 84 career wins—2nd most all time at Boise State.
The Broncos got off to a bit of a rough start. An early deficit of 8 had the Broncos down 2-10 before Hutchison pulled an and 1, and Duncan got his first three to make things closer. At 11 minutes remaining in half 1, the Broncos trailed 12-14.
After some clutch turnovers, a Reid three and a Paris Austin layup, the Broncos took their first lead at 8:08 remaining in the half.
Just prior to halftime, there was a stoppage in play as the ball got stuck behind the backboard and an assortment of Bulldogs attempted to dislodge it with poles, other basketballs, and assorted paraphernalia. The problem was finally solved on the gymnastic efforts of a pint-sized Bronco fan that earned an honorary ‘Play of the Game’ nod from the announcer.
At the actual half the Broncos were still struggling to find rhythm and trailed 26-33.
The issues carried into the second half as well. With 16:21 to play, the Broncos were still down 32-44.
It took until the game only had about 7 minutes left for the Broncos to start seriously cutting into the Bulldog lead. A Dickinson 3 at 7:38 brought the Broncos to within 3 at 52-55.
At 3:13 remaining in the game, the Bulldogs had put a 10 point cushion back in place at 58-68. Things started to look grim again, and ended up staying that way. The Broncos were unable to complete a comeback and went down 67-74.
Paris Austin led the team with 17, but a tough loss for the Broncos for senior night and the regular season, home finale.