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The Boise State Broncos (20-8, 12-5 MW) are riding a wave of momentum as they head into a Mountain West clash against the struggling Fresno State Bulldogs (5-23, 1-16 MW) on Saturday, March 1, at 5:00 PM MT. With March Madness looming, the Broncos look to sharpen their blades for the postseason, while Fresno State hopes to play spoiler and defend their home court.
Boise State vs. Fresno State Preview: Battle on the Horizon
This matchup features two teams on opposite ends of the Mountain West spectrum. Boise State has emerged as a powerhouse, currently holding firm in the conference standings, while Fresno State has endured a brutal season, sitting at the bottom of the table. However, road games in the Mountain West are never easy, and the Bulldogs will be eager to take a swing at the league’s elite.
The Broncos enter the contest as 17-point favorites, a testament to their dominance this season. Their recent form includes statement wins over Utah State, Nevada, and New Mexico, proving their ability to win in hostile environments.
Key Players to Watch
Boise State Broncos
Tyson Degenhart (F, Sr.) – The 6’8” senior has been a force, leading the Broncos with 18.3 PPG and 6.0 RPG. His ability to stretch the floor and battle in the paint makes him a nightmare matchup.
Alvaro Cardenas (G, Sr.) – A true floor general, Cardenas averages 6.9 APG to go along with his 11.9 PPG. His vision and leadership will be crucial in dismantling Fresno State’s defense.
Andrew Meadow (F, So.) – The sophomore forward is adding a scoring punch at 11.9 PPG, proving to be a dangerous weapon in Leon Rice’s rotation.
Fresno State Bulldogs
Jalen Weaver (G, Sr.) – Weaver leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 12.5 PPG, and if Fresno State wants to stay competitive, he must have a big game.
Elijah Price (F, Fr.) – The freshman big man is averaging 7.8 RPG, making him the Bulldogs’ top rebounder. His battle against Degenhart will be key in keeping Boise State off the glass.
Zaon Collins (G, So.) – Collins dishes out 4.7 APG, making him the primary playmaker for Fresno State’s offense.
Tactical Breakdown: How the Game Will Be Won
Defense Wins Championships – Boise State boasts one of the nation’s most formidable defenses, ranking 34th in points allowed (66.3 PPG). Fresno State, on the other hand, struggles to score, averaging just 71.4 PPG. If the Broncos set the defensive tone early, they could take control before halftime.
Offensive Efficiency Matters – Boise State is shooting 47.2% from the field (55th nationally) compared to Fresno State’s 40.8% (345th nationally). If the Broncos execute their sets and get high-quality shots, Fresno State will struggle to keep up.
Ball Security & Turnovers – Boise State holds an edge in turnover control, averaging 11.4 per game, while Fresno State coughs it up 13.3 times per game. Look for the Broncos to pressure the Bulldogs into mistakes and capitalize in transition.
Final Prediction
All signs point to a dominant Boise State victory, but no game in the Mountain West comes easy. The Bulldogs will fight with everything they have to pull off an upset in front of their home crowd. However, with the Broncos firing on all cylinders and pushing toward postseason form, expect Boise State to handle business with a double-digit win.
Final Score Prediction: Boise State 81, Fresno State 62
Tip-off: Saturday, March 1, 5:00 PM MT
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