BSU win season opener by narrow margin

Boise State now has the nation’s sixth longest home win streak, with 18 wins since February of 2007. BSU defeated Seattle University 66-56 in a season opener Friday night at the Taco Bell Arena.

With eight lead changes in the first half alone, there was never a clear leader.

BSU’s momentum was lacking. That turned around in the15 minute with an exciting play on the floor with senior guards Tasha Harris and Jamia Malone.

Malone took advantage of a breakaway opportunity, threw a pass behind her back to Harris, who went up for the shot and was fouled. Harris made it a three-point play, sinking the free throw as well.

“Seeing how they responded really gave us a wake up call to either come with it or lose the game,” Malone said.

The Redhawks still kept up with BSU, however, as both teams struggled with their shooting. The half ended in a 27-27 tie, with both teams shooting less than thirty percent from the floor and combined for a total of 24 turnovers.

Seattle came out strong from the half-time break as well, outscoring the Broncos 14-3 in the first five minutes.

Even with Seattle leading for the majority of the game, the Broncos were able to pull together late in the second half with impressive plays contributed by several players.

One of those key players was junior Ja’Lara Walker, who struggled early in the game, but brought her game with six minutes left. Walker helped the Broncos pull of a 25-6 scoring streak. By the time the game was over, Ja’Lara had racked up 13 points and eight rebounds.

“[Ja'Lara] came through for us at the right time, just when we needed her the most and she did just that,” Malone said of her teammate. “Everyone knows Ja’lara can dominate in the post when she puts her mind to it and she showed us what she was capable of doing down the stretch.”

Courtney Van Brocklin, the freshman guard out of Deming, Washington, made her debut Friday night, adding six points to the score. Freshman Heather Pilcher, another guard from Lynwood, California, posted two points and a rebound.

“Courtney is a fantastic defender. She plays hard and she really gets after it. Heather is great offensively and she has incredible speed which also helps her on defense,” Malone said. “I’m excited to see what they bring in upcoming games.”

The Broncos went for their 19th straight win at home on Sunday against Portland. This streak seems to add some pressure to the team.

“Its motivation for us,” Malone said. “We can’t let anyone take what we have accomplished and worked so hard for without a battle. It’s not going to be easy, no one will roll over and play dead for us just because we have an 18 win streak."

SILVER HENRY

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