BOISE, Idaho - Despite a relentless defense and nine-point first half lead, the Fresno State men's basketball team fell 63-53 at Boise State on Tuesday evening at ExtraMile Arena.
Fresno State (7-12, 3-5 Mountain West) forced 19 Bronco turnovers via eight steals and pressure defenses, but couldn't overcome a cold-shooting night, especially from long range, and missing four scholarship players due to injury.
Boise State (16-5, 6-2 MW) saw all five starters reach double figures led by 16 points from Marcus Shaver Jr. and got 13 points apiece from Tyson Degenhart and Max Rice.
Isaiah Hill finished with 14 points, a team-leading seven assists, four rebounds and two steals for the Bulldogs, who battled, but needed to execute better offensively.
Eduardo Andre continued his recent strong play tallying his third straight double-double finishing with 13 points and 12 rebounds to go along with a pair of steals and blocks.
How It Happened
The 'Dogs jumped out to a 7-0 lead and held the Broncos off the scoreboard for nearly the first five minutes of the first half.
A layup by Andre extended the 'Dogs lead to 15-6, but a 15-4 run for Boise State put the Broncos up by a pair. Three straight field goals at the end of the first half gave the Bulldogs a 25-23 lead at halftime - largely sparked by great defensive reads and execution.
Continuing to keep pace with the Broncos in the second half, a jumper by Jordan Campbell kept the 'Dogs within four at 44-40, but the Broncos went on a 10-4 run to go up 10 as the 'Dogs could not get any closer falling by that final margin.
Notes
Fresno State now trails its all-time series with Boise State, 27-22 (overall), including losses in five of the last six meetings with the Broncos.
Fresno State has now limited 29 of its last 32 opponents in regular season games, including 16 of 19 games this season, to fewer than 70 points.
Fresno State's defense forced 19 Bronco turnovers (eight Bulldog steals) and limited Boise State to its lowest scoring output so far in conference play this season.
All 63 Boise State points came from its five starters (all five with at least 10 points).
Fresno State led for 18:35 while Boise State led for 18:16. There were three lead changes and two ties.
Eduardo Andre recorded his third straight double-double (13 points / 12 rebounds) and now leads the team with four double-doubles this season.
Up next
The 'Dogs return home to host Utah State (16-4, 5-2 MW) on Saturday at 4 p.m. PT on CW59/Mountain West Network and the Bulldog Sports Network.