Game facts
- Time: Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 (7:00 PM MST)
- Location: ExtraMile Arena (Boise, ID)
- Odds: Boise by 22.5
- TV: Mountain West Network
- Radio: 670 KBOI/Here or Stream
Exciting Facts and Such
1. At-large Tournament watch
It’s never too early to start comparing resumes and debating who would be in and out to this point in the season. Following Saturday night’s win against the Gaels, the Broncos kept those hopes alive and are now hoping to win the next few handily to keep these hopes alive, starting with this game. Following the win in Idaho Falls, the Bronco’s NET rank is 50. Boise State’s record in each quadrant currently looks like this: Q1: 2-1, Q2: 0-1, Q3: 1-1, & Q4: 3-0.
2. Roller Coaster!
In my last basketball preview, I talked about how we as fans have become accustomed to slow and bumpy starts in the past couple of years. This season has been a bumpy ride through 10 games. Following a heartbreaking, near-comeback loss, the Broncos managed to pull out a huge win on a neutral site, beating St. Marys 67-65 in overtime. The Bronco’s resume currently sits with one blemish, a Q3 loss at the hands of Boston College.
3. #2
We’ve been blessed these last few years as Bronco fans with 2 special players from 2 different sports that wear the number 2. Obviously, Ashton Jeanty has been an absolute standout player on the field, but the number 2 on the court has also been doing very special things since he first arrived as a freshman for the 2021-22 season. This season, the senior has put up a stat line of 17/5/2, leading the team in PPG. I encourage Bronco Nation to enjoy the rest of the time we have left with this special player.
Streaks
Boise State—Won 1
Texas Southern—Lost 3
Player to Watch
Kavion McClain, G
Extremely talented player straight up. The senior guard has been doing what every team asks out of their guards, boasting an average of 14.3 PPG and 5.1 APG while shooting 41.5% from distance and 91.7% from the charity stripe.
Keys to Victory
Play it simple
When you are a 22.5-point favorite at home, there is no need to do anything but play it simple and take care of business.
Get off to a hot start
It’s easier to win when you break their confidence early.
Score prediction
Both teams are coming off very contested contests, but I think the Broncos will prove to be the more battle-tested team and take home the trophy.
Boise State 78, Texas Southern 55
But what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!
