Two unexpected sources helped the Boise State basketball team overcome a slow start and snap a two-game losing streak Monday night. The Broncos beat Fresno State 70-63 for their 15th consecutive win at home.
After falling behind 11-2, coach Leon Rice went deep into his bench and put in senior Tre’ Nichols, who had played only 42 minutes all season. He made a layup, assisted on a basket and recorded a steal that led to a 3-point bucket by Anthony Drmic (14 points) and got the offense rolling.
“That was terrific,” Rice said. “The team has some belief in Tre’, and he gave us a big spark in the first half when we were sputtering. And down the stretch, he made his free throws and handled the ball well.”
Nichols, who scored seven points in 21 minutes, said it felt good to make an impact.
“I wanted to make sure I brought energy to the team,” he said. “I needed that definitely. I just have to make sure I come out and play my role and not try to do anything outside of my element.”
Boise State had another ally Monday. With the school’s band and cheerleaders boarding busses to Las Vegas for the MAACO Bowl, there was a chance for a bland atmosphere. That wasn’t the case, though. The crowd of 3,702 was into the game, and when Fresno State (4-8) was trying to overtake the Broncos in the final few minutes, they had to deal with BSU’s sixth man.
“We noticed,” sophomore Ryan Watkins said. “Even though we didn’t have the student section, they cheered us on and it got us going.”
Watkins didn’t start Monday, but still recorded the first double-double of his career. He finished with a team-high 18 points and had 11 rebounds, nine on offense.
“I was just trying to play hard,” said Watkins, who had scratches and cuts on his face from the physical play inside. “They weren’t the biggest team, but they were scrappy and played hard.”
Fresno State, which last led 35-34 with 14:57 to play, got 28 points from sophomore Kevin Olekaibe and 17 from Tyler Johnson. But the Bulldogs were pounded on the glass (41-25) and were woeful from the foul line (9-of-16).
Boise State made 17-of-24 shots from the free throw line.
