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Wednesday Weekly…March 20, 2024.
After all the hand-wringing over Boise State’s seeding in the NCAA Tournament and what it does to its chances in Dayton tonight, well, it looks to be justified. Colorado is favored by 2½ points in the First Four. A typical observation among national prognosticators: “Colorado has far more talent than its No. 10 seed suggests.” So what will it come down to? I’m thinking the guards—on both ends of the floor. It’s the Broncos’ Max Rice and Roddie Anderson III against the Buffaloes’ KJ Simpson and J’Vonne Hadley. Offensively, Rice has to first get free for open looks—and then drain them. Anderson will have to play his best game of the season, a la San Diego State a week and a half ago. Defensively, the challenge is obvious. Simpson and Hadley are terrific shooters, averaging 48 and 55 percent from the field, respectively.
BIG DANCE EXPERIENCE
Tyson Degenhart and Rice are the only two Broncos who have played in each of Boise State’s past two NCAA Tournament appearances. In the 64-53 loss to Memphis two years ago, Degenhart scored eight points with four rebounds, while Rice put up only three points (he did have three steals). The Broncos fell behind by 19 at halftime and could never recover in that one. In the 75-67 loss to Northwestern last year, Degenhart again notched eight points, and Rice led Boise State with 17 points but went just 6-for-19 from the field. Degenhart was able to get just eight shots off in that one while having to go against a 7-footer. Tonight he’ll have O’Mar Stanley (and even Cam Martin) to help inside, and that might enable him to be the factor he needs to be against Colorado.
DEGENHART LAYS IT OUT
Every Bronco knows how important tonight’s game is. Degenhart, in an interview with his hometown Spokesman-Review in Spokane last week, articulated that well. “There is definitely some unfinished business—and that’s the kind of the thing that always gets talked about regarding Boise State during March Madness,” Degenhart said. “We just want to get that first win and the first one is always the hardest. One of the things we learned from the last two years is that you can’t dig yourself a hole. We have to get off to a fast start. As long as you can get out to an early lead you put some pressure on the other team.”
HOPING THE CAMERAS KEEP ROLLING
Another reason Boise State hopes its stay in the NCAA Tournament lasts beyond Dayton: the Broncos have been chosen as one of six teams to be featured in “NCAA March Madness Confidential,” billed as an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Big Dance. Production crews began embedding with the teams on Selection Sunday (I wondered who those guys were in the Steuckle Sky Center). The stories begin this week on network studio shows, among other places. The others teams included are UConn, Tennessee, Marquette, South Carolina and Northwestern.
MOUNTAIN WEST NEEDS WINS
The gauntlet laid down to the Mountain West after the terrible seeding on Selection Sunday: go out and win some games. That was especially true for Boise State and Colorado State, who were sent to the First Four. The Rams were first up last night, and Virginia was just unwatchable. CSU helped. But the Cavaliers shot just 25 percent, and the Rams rolled 67-42. Now it’s the Broncos’ turn, as they try to get that elusive first-ever win in the NCAA Tournament against a formidable Colorado team tonight. Nevada faces Dayton Thursday, and Friday it’s San Diego State-UAB, New Mexico-Clemson and Utah State-TCU.
TOURNAMENT TOURS
College of Idaho has volumes of experience in the NAIA Tournament. After all, they’re defending national champions. The Coyotes will draw on that history Friday when they face Madonna Friday in the Round of 16 in Kansas City. On the other hand, the Crusaders are here “for the very first time.” (Classic Madonna reference for you.) This won’t be a cakewalk. Madonna visited Caldwell early last season and hung with the Yotes, falling 82-68. The Crsuaders’ Brendan Young scored 31 points with 17 rebounds, and he’s still with ‘em. Elsewhere, the Boise State women are in the postseason for the first time in five years, facing Montana in the WNIT tonight in Missoula. The Broncos are 21-13 for the season and are 3-22 all-time at Montana (the Lady Griz have always been good).
WELL-TRAVELED STEELIES BACK HOME
Cam McGuire, Voice of the Idaho Steelheads, does a good job recapping the teams’ past two weeks. The Steelheads flew to Saint John’s, Newfoundland (4,108 miles) two weeks ago today. They collected four out of a possible six points on that leg of the trip and then flew to Montreal on (1,506 miles). From there, the Steelies bused to Trois-Rivières, Quebec (91 miles). The Steelheads picked up three out of a possible six points against the Lions and bused back to Montreal last Sunday morning. The flight home (2,609 miles) brought the total mikes traveled to 8,405. The Steelheads, who have now clinched a Kelly Cup Playoffs berth, are finally back home in Idaho Central Arena for a three-game series against the Tulsa Oilers beginning tonight.
LVE’S ACCOLADES
Unfortunately, we saw this coming. Leighton Vander Esch has indeed retired from the NFL after his “failed physical designation” with the Dallas Cowboys. What struck me is how the Cowboys went out of their way to send Vander Esch out with a rousing tribute. “His passion and love for the game was contagious, and from the moment he arrived, he has been a difference maker,” said owner Jerry Jones. “His grit, toughness, motivation, determination and football IQ will be sorely missed. Leighton also embodied the strong character and personal qualities that make him much more than an accomplished player.” Added coach Mike McCarthy: “Leighton impacted our team beyond defense. He set a tone that served as an example for all of our players about how we want to play.” And that’s just a sample.
MATTISON’S FRESH START
Alexander Mattison’s sixth NFL season means a second chance for the former Boise State star. Mattison signed with the Las Vegas Raiders over the weekend after beginning his career with the Minnesota Vikings. He had some great moments with the Vikings, but not enough of them came last season, when he took over from Dalvin Cook as the team’s starting running back. Mattison ran for a career-high 700 yards but did not score a rushing touchdown, a point of contention in Minnesota. He also had to put up with some uber-nastiness from fans. Hopefully Vegas will be a breath of fresh air.
This Day In Sports…brought to you by BBSI BOISE…payroll, process and prosperity for your business.
March 20, 2004, 20 years ago today: One of the most unique nights in Boise State basketball history. When the Broncos blitzed UNLV 84-69 three nights before in the NIT, it looked like they’d be traveling for their matchup with Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the next round. After all, the Pavilion was booked all weekend. But a date was hastily arranged with the Idaho Center, and 10,153 Boise State fans hastily scooped up tickets to see the Broncos get past UWM, 73-70, on a raucous night in Nampa. Their NIT run would end three nights later with a 66-53 loss at Marquette.
(Tom Scott hosts the Scott Slant segment during the football season on KTVB’s Sunday Sports Extra and anchors four sports segments each weekday on 95.3 FM KTIK. He also served as color commentator on KTVB’s telecasts of Boise State football for 14 seasons.)
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