BOISE, Idaho — The Boise State men's basketball team defeated San Jose State 106-54 on New Year's Eve, it was the Broncos most lopsided victory they've ever had in the Mountain West Conference.
BSU has won seven straight improving to 7-1 on the season and a perfect 3-0 in conference play.
Boise State has won each of their first three conference games by at least 24 points and playing at Ability 360 Sports and Fitness Center in their last matchup didn't slow BSU down one bit.
“Every time we get a chance to play it is the most important game of the year," said Coach Leon rice. "We know how precious these games are we have to do all these things to play so we cherish every second and our play reflected that.”
This game was played in Phoenix, Arizona because of COVID-19 restrictions in California, so Coach Rice had his own Hoosiers moment to show his team that the rims measure ten feet, just like every basketball hoop back in Boise.
“I think you'll find that's the exact same measurements as our gym back in Boise.”
— Boise State MBB (@BroncoSportsMBB) December 31, 2020
A couple hoops and a ball is all we need. Shout out to @Ability360Sport for making that a reality. pic.twitter.com/RCKv95WvWS
"That’s what we talked about playing in this place, but this is a great facility and a great place to shoot, so we liked it," said Rice.
Even though Coach Rice didn't measure the distance from to the free-throw line as Gene Hackman did in that classic movie, the Broncos shot a perfect 25-25 from the charity stripe.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, the Broncos held San Jose State to 24 percent shooting from the field.
“Our defense is cumulative," said Rice. "Every trip down the floor is going to be hard for you and we take a lot of pride in that.”
In the post-game press conference, Abu Kigab took it a step further saying offense wins games, but defense wins championships, this Broncos team has a chance to put together a special season,
“I want it to be joy and passion," said Rice. "That is what we are about and these guys love to hoop."
Boise State records its largest margin of victory in a conference game in program history. Back at it Saturday. pic.twitter.com/YDixRp2jF9
— Boise State MBB (@BroncoSportsMBB) January 1, 2021
Six Broncos scored in double figures, BSU grabbed 55 rebounds in the game and BSU improved to 35-3 all-time against San Jose State.
Boise State will take on the Spartans again on Saturday, tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. at Grand Canyon University, fans can catch the action on FS1.
The Broncos return home next week for a pair of games against Air Force with the first matchup set for Wednesday night at 9:00 p.m.
