The Boise State Broncos faced a disappointing defeat against the Grand Canyon Lopes on January 3, 2024, marking their second consecutive loss in Mountain West Conference play. After trailing 37-27 at halftime, Boise State (9-6, 1-3) fell behind by as much as 18 points in the second half before making a late push. Despite narrowing the gap to four points, the Lopes (9-5, 2-1) secured a decisive 75-58 victory at ExtraMile Arena.
The Broncos struggled offensively, finishing the game with a shooting percentage of just 34.7, making 17 of 49 attempts from the floor. Their performance from three-point range was equally troubling, as they converted only 4 of 19 shots (21.1 percent). Although Boise State excelled at the free-throw line, making 20 of 25 attempts (80 percent), they were significantly outmatched on the boards, losing the rebounding battle 38-28.
Head coach Leon Rice did not hold back in his criticism of the team’s performance. In a postgame radio interview, he stated, “Credit Grand Canyon. They came out with some desperation. They got beat at home, and they came with desperation. We came with like ‘OK, we’re going to play basketball, but we’re not going to fight.’”
Coach Rice Highlights Team’s Lack of Toughness
Rice emphasized his disappointment with the team’s lack of physicality and aggressiveness. He remarked, “We were the softest I’ve seen us be this year. We got punked on the glass by 10, and they were just so much tougher than us.” He noted a brief resurgence by the Broncos in the second half, stating, “We had a good little stretch in the second half where we made a run at them, and they responded. We looked like we were running in sand. They were a step faster than us, they were a step tougher than us.”
Rice further elaborated on how the Lopes played with a fearless attitude, which proved crucial in the outcome of the game. “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.
The coach expressed frustration with the team’s inability to adapt strategically as the game progressed. “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 remarked.
Need for Improved Decision-Making
Rice highlighted specific areas for improvement, particularly regarding decision-making on the court. He noted the performance of Lopes guard Jaden Henley, saying, “You look at their guard, he dribbles the whole possession and knows how to get fouled. I’m telling our guys ‘We’re in the bonus,’ and we settled for bad shots.” He stressed the importance of getting to the free-throw line when offensive plays were not working.
He concluded by calling for greater savvy from his guards, pointing out that having two point guards should not result in only six assists for the entire game. “Our guards have to have more savvy,” Rice said, emphasizing the necessity of adapting to the flow of the game.
After this performance, the Broncos will need to regroup and refocus as they aim to turn their season around in the upcoming matches. The challenge lies ahead for Boise State as they seek to regain their footing in the Mountain West Conference.
