Balanced Bronco men win third basketball game in a row

The week's worth of rust is gone, but the Boise State men's basketball team still has its winning streak.

The Broncos dispatched Eastern Washington 57-48 in front of 3,069 fans Monday night at Taco Bell Arena in its first game since winning at San Diego on Dec. 22.

It was the third win in a row for Boise State, which at 9-3, has the same record entering conference play as it did a year ago. BSU won the WAC last season.

"We're OK with it," BSU senior Mark Sanchez said of the 9-3 record. "I think we let one slip away here against San Francisco, but at least we stepped up big and got two road wins. I think a lot of teams in the league didn't expect us to be where we are today. I think it's big coming into conference play confidence-wise and with our team chemistry."

The Broncos begin WAC play Saturday night at Hawaii.

Two intense practices leading up to Monday's game made sure BSU didn't look past Eastern Washington (7-6).

"We got back on the 26th and our last two practices were high intensity," sophomore Paul Noonan said. "Sometimes when you come back from break you have a little breakdown, but we got the win and hopefully we can carry this confidence into conference season."

BSU held the Eagles scoreless for 8 minutes of the first half, turning a tight game into a 32-22 halftime lead. The Broncos grew their lead to as many as 19 points in the second half.

"Overall, it was a good way to head into conference play," BSU coach Greg Graham said.

Sanchez had his third double-double of the season with 14 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots. Noonan also finished with 14 points for the Broncos, who shot a season-low percentage (41.7) at home.

But the Broncos limited the Eagles to 31.7 percent shooting and made 15-of-19 free throws to win despite not making a field goal in the final 6 minutes.

"We were a little rusty on shooting but we D'd it up tonight," Graham said. "Our defense was pretty solid - we made them work for everything they got."

The seventh-year coach called the nonconference portion of the schedule a success.

"I'd say we did well in the preseason," he said "I think if you'd ask anyone before the season if you'd take 9-3 with everyone we lost, they'd take it. Obviously you wish you would have played better at times.

"With a new team and new guys, we've had to battle. We've had a chance to grow up a little bit."

Ike Okoye chipped in nine points, six rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals and Anthony Thomas had six assists for BSU, which was outrebounded 43-32 and made only 2-of-11 shots from 3-point range.

Benny Valentine led the Eagles with 13 points and Brandon Moore had 12 points and nine rebounds.

Nick Jezierny: 377-6420