Boise State women defeat Portland State

After sitting out last season with a knee injury, Jessica Thompson returned to the Boise State women's basketball program with a new focus and a new name - she's Jessica Van Hoogen now after her May wedding.

But one thing that hasn't changed is her game. She's still the feisty, competitive guard who is willing to do whatever her team needs her to do to win.

That was on display Thursday when she scored 24 points to lead the Broncos to a 92-80 win over previously perfect Portland State at Taco Bell Arena.

"She looked like the Jess of old," Boise State coach Gordy Presnell said.

Thompson made 10-of-19 shots from the field, pulled down five rebounds and had two assists and two steals.

The thing she was most happy about was the win, something that may not have been the case when she arrived five years ago.

"When I was a little freshman, I was a brat who just wanted to score, score, score and I didn't worry as much about anything else," Van Hoogen said. "I've learned a lot through injury and a bunch of other circumstances that it's not about me. It's about being a part of something bigger than myself and playing for something bigger than myself."

Sitting out last season forced Van Hoogen, who is competitive in everything she does, to find a new outlet. She found it in the kitchen.

"I learned how to cook," she said. "I just wanted to be the best cook I could. And I wanted to become the best wife I could."

Van Hoogen was the MVP of the WAC Tournament in 2007 when the Broncos advanced to the NCAA Tournament. She's also a multiple-time All-WAC selection, and her presence is a big reason why the Broncos are 3-0.

"Just having her on the floor is comforting to everybody," said Tasha Harris, a senior who scored 18 points Thursday. "She just has this fight and passion about her that will just light everyone else up and get them fired up."

After Thursday's win, Van Hoogen was more excited about her team scoring 92 points than her own game. Janie Bos had a double-double against her former team with 11 points and 10 boards. Van Hoogen raved about the team's four freshmen who combined for 21 points and eight rebounds.

Those younger players - sophomore Heather Pilcher and freshmen Julia Marshall and Taylor McGilbra - are the future of the program. Presnell likes that they get to learn from Van Hoogen.

"She's a good mentor and we have some good freshmen," Presnell said. "We're fortunate to have her."

Added Harris, who has played with Van Hoogen since the 2005-06 season: "To me, she's the same person. We see her a little bit less because she spends more time at home because she's married."