• Tweet
• Share
• Email
• Print

 

Before practice today, coach Leon Rice officially declared that the Broncos streak of bad luck is over. However, he still took precautions to insure that prediction.

Several members of the Boise State basketball team were wearing surgical masks around the arena, in order to avoid contracting the illness that kept Derrick Marks from playing in the second half against Colorado State. Rice said that a couple players were feeling a little under the weather, but he does expect to have a full roster for Saturday's game against UNLV.

Jeff Elorriaga is also expected back; he's been sidelined with a concussion. Rice noted that he wouldn't be surprised if things don't work out exactly as planned, but he and his players are eager to rid themselves of the flu bug and the injury bug.

"The timing of it has been rough," lamented Leon.

"Sometimes guys get sick and they can recover enough to play by gametime, but... Derrick actually got sick right at gametime."

Meanwhile, the Bronco players are trying to do their part to avoid being sick.

"We try not to shake hands with anybody, make sure everybody is santizing and washing their hands all the time," said center Kenny Buckner. 

The Broncos have another concern besides staying healthy- they need to stay out of foul trouble. Ryan Watkins and Kenny Buckner both picked up 3 fouls in the first half against CSU, forcing Rice to limit their minutes. Buckner is optimistic that things will go a bit better against UNLV.

"Being at home, hopefully the refs lean our way. Coach Rice always says the aggressive team never gets calls on them... Me and Ryan, we just need to keep our hands to ourselves."