he return to the men?s basketball team of senior Jason Ellis this past weekend ignited the Broncos to their first back-to-back victories since the opening games of the season.
They will now have to take the momentum on the road, starting tonight versus La Tech in Ruston, La., at 5:30 p.m.
There are a lot of similarities in both games this weekend for the Broncos. Boise State, La Tech and Saturday?s opponent, SMU, are all tied for fifth place in the Western Athletic Conference at 3-4, and they all have a .500 record overall this season.
Last Saturday, La Tech beat SMU 58-57 in Ruston.
There was a lot to get excited about for the Broncos in both games at home. Less than a week removed from an embarrassing loss on the road at Nevada, the Broncos played great team ball in both wins over San Jose State and Hawaii at the Taco Bell Arena.
Ellis? return added strength, depth and leadership to a squad that was lacking in all three categories since his injury and subsequent hernia surgery.
But, in order for the Broncos not to slip in the standings and build on the quick improvement, they will have to play well during their longest road trip of the season.
"We are going to still have our confidence. We are going to want to win on the road and comeback and keep winning in the WAC," senior forward Jermaine Blackburn said.
Last season, the Broncos lost five of their first eight games in WAC play, and they went on to win 10 of the next 11 games. They think there is no reason why they can?t do it again.
"Everyone is definitely stepping up. And, we finally know our roles and everyone is starting to fulfill them. Our seniors are stepping [up] vocally," sophomore guard Eric Lane said.
Tonight, the Broncos? inside players will once again be tested. This time it?s La Tech?s All-WAC sophomore Paul Milsap. The preseason first-team all conference member leads the WAC in rebounding (11.8 per game) and is fifth in scoring with 19.3 points per game. Milsap was also honored with the WAC player of the week award on Monday. Guard Daevon Haskins is second in the league in assists. La Tech has won their last two games, but dropped four straight prior to that.
SMU has a double scoring threat with Bryan Hopkins and Eric Castro. Hopkins averages 16.9 points per game and leads the WAC in steals. Castro averages 14.4 points per contest.
Conceivably, the Broncos could move into third or fourth place in the conference, if they are able to win all four games on the road trip. And with crucial games at home versus WAC leader Nevada and Fresno State following the road trip, Boise State could be playing their best at the most opportune time.
Fresno State has lost two straight and fell to fourth in the conference. They are just two games ahead of Boise State in the standings.
They will now have to take the momentum on the road, starting tonight versus La Tech in Ruston, La., at 5:30 p.m.
There are a lot of similarities in both games this weekend for the Broncos. Boise State, La Tech and Saturday?s opponent, SMU, are all tied for fifth place in the Western Athletic Conference at 3-4, and they all have a .500 record overall this season.
Last Saturday, La Tech beat SMU 58-57 in Ruston.
There was a lot to get excited about for the Broncos in both games at home. Less than a week removed from an embarrassing loss on the road at Nevada, the Broncos played great team ball in both wins over San Jose State and Hawaii at the Taco Bell Arena.
Ellis? return added strength, depth and leadership to a squad that was lacking in all three categories since his injury and subsequent hernia surgery.
But, in order for the Broncos not to slip in the standings and build on the quick improvement, they will have to play well during their longest road trip of the season.
"We are going to still have our confidence. We are going to want to win on the road and comeback and keep winning in the WAC," senior forward Jermaine Blackburn said.
Last season, the Broncos lost five of their first eight games in WAC play, and they went on to win 10 of the next 11 games. They think there is no reason why they can?t do it again.
"Everyone is definitely stepping up. And, we finally know our roles and everyone is starting to fulfill them. Our seniors are stepping [up] vocally," sophomore guard Eric Lane said.
Tonight, the Broncos? inside players will once again be tested. This time it?s La Tech?s All-WAC sophomore Paul Milsap. The preseason first-team all conference member leads the WAC in rebounding (11.8 per game) and is fifth in scoring with 19.3 points per game. Milsap was also honored with the WAC player of the week award on Monday. Guard Daevon Haskins is second in the league in assists. La Tech has won their last two games, but dropped four straight prior to that.
SMU has a double scoring threat with Bryan Hopkins and Eric Castro. Hopkins averages 16.9 points per game and leads the WAC in steals. Castro averages 14.4 points per contest.
Conceivably, the Broncos could move into third or fourth place in the conference, if they are able to win all four games on the road trip. And with crucial games at home versus WAC leader Nevada and Fresno State following the road trip, Boise State could be playing their best at the most opportune time.
Fresno State has lost two straight and fell to fourth in the conference. They are just two games ahead of Boise State in the standings.
