The Boise State men’s basketball team suffered a narrow defeat on January 10, 2024, losing 89-85 in overtime against the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels. This loss marks the Broncos’ fifth straight defeat in the Mountain West Conference, leaving their conference record at 1-5 and an overall record of 9-8.
Head coach Leon Rice expressed disappointment following the game, emphasizing the team’s need to improve its performance. “I’ve got to help them more, because we were right in position to win that game,” Rice stated in his postgame radio interview. He highlighted that the Broncos gave away crucial points, attributing the loss partly to 15 turnovers that led to 29 points for UNLV.
Missed Opportunities and Key Plays
The game was filled with missed opportunities for Boise State. Rice pointed out several critical mistakes that allowed UNLV to capitalize. “We get a rebound, we throw it right to them, and they get a dunk. We don’t block out on a free throw, and they get a tip dunk,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, stating, “You can’t just throw it to the other team and let them dunk, especially when we were doing some great things.”
Despite the setbacks, Rice remained optimistic about the potential of his team. “But still, we had enough out there to do it, and we were in the position to do it,” he added, acknowledging UNLV’s ability to make significant plays when it mattered most. “You’ve got to capitalize on the things you can control,” he said, urging his players to take ownership of their performance.
Looking Ahead to Colorado State
As the Broncos prepare for their upcoming home game against Colorado State, Rice is focused on improving the team’s cohesion and execution. “We’ve got to be better as a unit, five guys as a unit. When we get that, this team can be good,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for collective effort during challenging moments.
Rice also addressed the team’s shooting performance, which was below expectations. “I always say, ‘The operation is a success and the patient dies because we missed our open shots,’” he said, referring to the team’s struggles beyond the arc. Boise State managed only three successful three-point shots out of 14 attempts, a statistic that must improve if they hope to turn their season around.
Looking to the future, Rice remains committed to helping his players develop and succeed. “I’ve got to be a better teacher because some of this stuff we’ve got to soak in better,” he stated, reinforcing his role in guiding the team through this tough stretch.
The Broncos will aim to secure a much-needed victory against Colorado State, as they seek to break their losing streak and regain momentum in the Mountain West Conference.
