Boise State forward Bos eager to face former team

So far, it's been a fun week for Boise State junior Janie Bos.

What will make the week perfect is a win over her former team - Portland State.

Not only is the game a battle of 2-0 teams, it's personal for Bos because she remains close with about half of the Vikings' players. Former BSU guard Courtney VanBrocklin is a member of the team, but she is sitting out this year under NCAA transfer rules.

"I've talked to a number of the girls and am excited to see them and excited to get on the court and play them," Bos said.

Bos leads the Broncos in rebounding at 6.5 per game. Last season, she led the team with 6.8 boards per game and chipped in 6.9 points per game.

"She's done a nice job for us," coach Gordy Presnell said. "She's a little bit undersized, but it doesn't seem to bother her."

Bos played one season for the Vikings and decided she wanted to transfer after the school overhauled its coaching staff. She sat out the 2007-08 season under NCAA transfer rules and started all 30 games for the Broncos last season.

Bos plays an important role. She's the only veteran on the team with significant experience at the power forward spot. Backing her up are a pair of talented, but raw, freshmen in Lauren Lenhardt and Kinzi Poteet.

"She has to be an example on both the offensive and defensive ends," Presnell said.

Bos opened the season with a double-double against Western Oregon but was limited by foul trouble in a win over Weber State.

Getting motivated for Thursday's game won't be an issue.

"It's only our third game in and I feel like it's a big game for us and it is," said Bos, who is from Chino, Calif. "They're a good team that's going to do good in their conference this year. It'll be a good win to have on our side."

Portland State, who is coached by former Washington State coach Sherri Murrell, won 23 games last season and advanced to the second round of the WNIT. Point guard Clarire Faucher, a friend of Bos', led the nation in assists as a sophomore and was sixth last year.

"She's the real deal," Presnell said. "They've got a very good team."

But the Vikings, who have wins over Washington and Western Oregon, never have won in Boise. They are 0-14.

"We need to protect our house - we can't give up a loss in our own place," Bos said. "We run things here. We need to put on a good last show so (fans) want to come back when we do come back home."

After Thursday's game, the Broncos play six games away from home before returning to Taco Bell Arena on Dec. 9 against Montana State.

Nick Jezierny: 377-6420