The Boise State men’s basketball team faced a tough defeat against Grand Canyon, losing 75-58 on January 3, 2024, in Mountain West action. After trailing 37-27 at halftime, the Broncos (9-6, 1-3) found themselves down by as many as 18 points in the second half. While they managed to narrow the gap to four points, the Lopes (9-5, 2-1) responded decisively to secure the victory at ExtraMile Arena.
Boise State struggled offensively throughout the game, finishing with a shooting percentage of just 34.7%, hitting 17 of 49 attempts from the floor. The team also had a disappointing performance from three-point range, converting only 4 of 19 shots (21.1%). Despite the shooting woes, the Broncos excelled at the free-throw line, making 20 of 25 attempts (80%). However, they were out-rebounded 38-28, which proved crucial in the outcome of the match.
Head coach Leon Rice did not hold back in his assessment of the team’s performance. In his postgame radio interview, he remarked, “Credit Grand Canyon. They came out with some desperation. We came with like ‘OK, we’re going to play basketball, but we’re not going to fight.’ We were the softest I’ve seen us be this year.” Rice emphasized the need for greater toughness and intensity, particularly in rebounding, where his team was outperformed.
Team Performance and Coach’s Critique
Rice pointed out the contrasting attitudes displayed by both teams. “They came out with an attitude that they didn’t care if they fouled. They were the aggressor and got us on our heels,” he said. This lack of aggression from the Broncos was particularly evident in their offensive strategies.
Despite showing some promise during a brief stretch in the second half, where they narrowed the deficit, Boise State’s performance fell short of expectations. “We looked like we were running in sand. They were a step faster than us, they were a step tougher than us,” Rice added, highlighting the stark difference in competitiveness.
The coach expressed disappointment, noting that the team had previously shown resilience in challenging situations. “It’s funny because you think you’re starting to get to know a team, like ‘OK, these guys are going to respond. They have and they will.’ And we didn’t,” he said.
Rice also critiqued the decision-making of his guards, emphasizing the need for improved strategy. “When nothing is working, you can get to the free throw line. Our guards have to have more savvy. You can’t play two point guards and have six assists for the whole game,” he explained. His comments underscore the necessity for the team to adapt and find ways to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Next Steps for Boise State
As Boise State looks to regroup after this defeat, they will need to address the issues highlighted by Rice, particularly in terms of their aggression on the court and offensive execution. The Broncos have a challenging schedule ahead and will need to find ways to bounce back quickly to remain competitive in the Mountain West Conference.
This loss serves as a reminder of the importance of mental toughness and adaptability in sports, as well as the need for every player to contribute effectively. As the season progresses, it will be crucial for Boise State to harness their strengths and improve upon their weaknesses if they hope to achieve their goals.
