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Sanchez, Broncos collect win
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In a low-score contest, the Boise State men’s basketball team defeated Southern Utah University 62-59 Saturday night on their home court at the Taco Bell Arena.
BSU started the game well, leading 21-14 in the 11th minute. Fifteen of those points were made up of three-pointers from senior Jamar Greene, sophomore Paul Noonan and junior Anthony Thomas. The Broncos seemed to lose their momentum near the 15th minute, leaving the half with a .591 percentage from the field, leading by a single-point margin, 31-30.
The second half stayed about as tight possible, with four lead changes and seven ties. The maximum marginal lead took place with a little more than three minutes left in the game, as the Broncos pulled ahead 60-54. As the final minute counted down, BSU got ready to add another win to their 3-1 record.
Though not much of a factor in Saturday’s game, Mark Sanchez has come up big for the Broncos this season.
The senior forward out of Tucson, Ariz. has been leading the team in a majority of statistics all season. Before conquering the Thunderbirds, Sanchez had already racked up 74 points, averaging 18.5 per game. He now holds 80 points on the season.
“It’s been a full guard effort so far this season,” Sanchez said. “Coach calls the plays and we’ve been able to dominate below the block. I’ve just gotten those plays.”
Sanchez’s high stats also include an average of 4.8 free throws made per game and 38 total rebounds on the season, 7.6 per game.
Sanchez played at Pima Community College in his hometown. He earned several honors while playing there, including first-team All-Region 1 Division 2 as well as second-team All-Arizona Community College Athletic Conference.
Upon becoming a member of the Bronco basketball team, Sanchez consistently upped his stats in field goal attempts, rebounds and free throws. This season has been the best for him statistically, however.
“I’m more comfortable this year I think,” Sanchez said. “Coach trusts me with the ball, and trusts me to do good things with the ball.”
With stats as high as Sanchez’s, his relaxation is apparent as compared to last year on the same court.
“The stats are good to see, but when it comes down to it, it’s the win-loss column that really matters,” he said. “If you lose, your stats don’t matter. I’d rather see us come out with a win.”
Sanchez was also named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Week, for Nov. 17-23, ousting Fresno State’s Paul George, Hawai’i’s Roderick Flemings and LA Tech’s Kyle Gibson.
“I was really surprised actually,” Sanchez said. “I didn’t even know until the game. Coach didn’t tell me. It’s a good accomplishment though.”
Just like every athlete, Sanchez has a pre-game ritual.
Some might listen to rock or rap, but he prefers his R and B.
“I like to put in my I-Pod and listen to slow music. The guys walk into the locker room and they’ll hear my slow music. It’s funny, but it relaxes me.”
Sanchez and the Broncos will be back in action Wednesday at the Taco Bell Arena at as they take on the University of
Wyoming Cowboys.
SILVER HENRY
Arbiter Journalist