The Fresno State men’s basketball team (14-14, 7-8 Mountain West) and the Boise State Broncos (18-9, 8-6 MW) are set to collide tonight for the second time this season.
The Bulldogs dropped the Jan. 4 meeting to the Broncos, 86-79. Since that matchup, both teams have gone on and compiled records of 7-6. The Broncos are currently in a three-way tie for third place in the conference with UNLV and Wyoming.
“Boise State is an extremely well-coached team,” said Fresno State head coach Rodney Terry. “They are one of the better offensive teams in the country — let alone our league.
“They score in a variety of ways and pose a lot of problems for us.”
The ‘Dogs (seventh in the MW) are coming into the contest after beating Utah State 79-76. They have won six of their last seven games.
Terry mentioned that getting stops and playing sound defense was a big part of the ballgame and a key to victory.
The Broncos, on the other hand, are riding a three-game win streak. Their latest victory came in a thrilling, overtime fashion against the UNLV Rebels. In the game, four Boise State players scored in double-figures, and two scored more than 20 points.
The Broncos and Bulldogs rank first (77.6) and third (73.9), respectively, in the conference in points per game (ppg). Rodney said that going back to fundamentals on the defensive end of the court would be key in this matchup, as the Broncos have played physical basketball.
Terry also labeled Broncos forward Anthony Drmic as “one of the best scorers in our league.” The 6-foot-6 Australian native had 22 points in Boise State’s latest victory, a game-high he shared with teammate Ryan Watkins.
Leading Fresno State is senior guard Tyler Johnson, who has scored 20 or more points in nine out of 11 conference games this season. The ‘Dogs will look for Johnson to establish the rhythm offensively. However, sophomore guards Cezar Guerrero (13.5 ppg) and Marvelle Harris (14.8 ppg) are also reliable scorers.
Terry hinted that freshman Paul Watson will play an important role down the stretch this season.
“Paul has improved each and every day,” Terry said. “He’s played in the post. But now, in the latter part of the season, he’s getting a chance to also play in the perimeter a little bit more.”
Transition defense will be a way Fresno State can match up physically with the Broncos. To do this, Fresno State will have to defend Boise State’s post players, including Drmic and Watkins.
“He’s one of the best offensive rebounders in the country and an extremely tough matchup,” Terry said of Watkins.
“I think they’re playing really well right now, and they’re going to be a handful for us to deal with,” Terry said. “It’s a great challenge for us here at home to play a veteran team. We’re going to have to come out with a lot of intensity and energy.”
The conference foes will take the court tonight at the Save Mart Center, and tipoff is set for 6:05 p.m.
The ‘Dogs have three games remaining on the regular season schedule and will honor legendary head coach Jerry Tarkanian in their final home game against the conference-leading San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday.
