Boise State guard La'Shard Anderson helped the Broncos seal their first road win of the season Saturday night.

Now the sophomore is looking forward to his homecoming game Monday night at San Diego.

Anderson, who made a key basket and added a free throw in the final minute of the Broncos' 66-62 win over Cal State Bakersfield, is a San Diego native. He and the Broncos (7-3) are hoping to beat the Toreros (6-6) in what they hope will be a pro-BSU crowd.

In addition to the 50 or so friends and family that Anderson will attract, several thousand Bronco fans are in San Diego for the Poinsettia Bowl and could take in the basketball game at the Jenny Craig Pavilion.

"For me, it's going to be a home game," Anderson said. "We're going to have a lot of people cheering us on. The fans should help us play harder."

Anderson has been a bright spot thus far for the Broncos. It's his first year with the program after playing one season at Irvine Valley College. He plays 21 minutes per game and averages 4.3 points. He leads the Broncos in steals (11), ranks third in assists (27) and has made 14-of-17 free throws.

"He's had some really good minutes and bright spots," BSU coach Greg Graham said. "He hasn't had a chance to go through a freshman year at this level. It's a change for him, and he's adjusting to it. Everyone has seen that he has a chance to be a very special player out there. He can really do some things with the basketball as far as making us better."

Anderson backs up starter Anthony Thomas at the point. He'll come off the bench like he has in the first nine games and Graham hopes he gets the usual results.

"You know he'll be ready to play, but you just worry that he doesn't get ready too much," Graham said. "You don't want La'Shard to try and do too much. Guys have a tendency to press and try to do too much. The big thing is to just relax and go play. He gets an opportunity to play in front of family and friends - that's a good thing and I'm glad that we were able to do it."

That's how Anderson will approach the game. It won't be easy. In addition to his family and friends, he used to play in summer league games against many of San Diego's players.

"I pretty much know their whole team," Anderson said. "I'm just going to try stay calm and play my game and not really get to into everybody - my family and friends - being at the game. I just have to play my game and stay focused."

Nick Jezierny: 377-6420