Defense keys Bronco women's win over Hawaii

With its offense struggling, the Boise State women's basketball team looked to its defense to turn the tide against Hawaii on Monday night.

The Broncos, who trailed by as many as 11 points in the first half, rallied for a 70-61 victory at Taco Bell Arena.

BSU (9-8 overall, 2-1 WAC) forced 23 turnovers and turned them into 31 points to win its 12th consecutive conference game at home.

"Our defensive coach (Toriano Towns) told us all of their guards were questionable under pressure so we really needed to get into their shorts and just pressure the ball like crazy," freshman guard Courtney VanBrocklin said. "It seemed like every time we did that they would throw a big, loopy pass that we can get a hand on or they'd turn the ball over."

VanBrocklin scored 15 points, pulled down six rebounds, had three assists and three steals. She and classmate Heather Pilcher (16 points, four steals, two assists) keyed a 14-4 run to start the second half that gave the Broncos the lead for good.

"Our freshmen are going to be good," Boise State coach Gordy Presnell said. "They're talented and so athletic. We're fortunate to have them."

Early on, it looked as if the Rainbow Wahine (3-13, 0-3) would pull the upset. Hawaii shot 48 percent from the field in the first half, compared to just 29 percent for the Broncos. BSU went 1-of-10 from 3-point range in the first half.

"I thought we were flat and didn't play with enthusiasm," Presnell said. "We didn't play as a team, and they hit shots."

That was the message at halftime.

"He told us we needed to work the ball inside and stop jacking up 3s," VanBrocklin said.

Pilcher, who is the only Bronco to average in double figures, said her team never lost faith.

"We just stayed positive because our shots weren't falling," Pilcher said. "We had to keep a positive mindset and focus on the goal, and that was to win."

Once the Broncos started turning steals into easy layups, the rest of the shots started falling, too. BSU made 5-of-6 from 3-point range in the second half with four different players hitting from long range. BSU led by as many as 14 points in the second half and never was threatened in the final 10 minutes.

"We got some flow going - once you get in a rhythm and in a flow you can let them a fly a little bit," Presnell said.

Hawaii placed four players in double figures, led by Keisha Kanekoa's 18 points. The guard had only six points in the second half, though, as Pilcher shadowed her much of the half.

"She's a smart player and is pretty strong," Pilcher said. "Coach told me that she was a good player but said 'you are too' and that kind of boosted my confidence."

Janie Bos scored nine points and pulled down a team-high seven rebounds, while Jamia Malone had eight points and a team-best four assists for the Broncos, who return to action Saturday at Utah State.

Nick Jezierny: 377-6420