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Broncos fall In WAC quarterfinals 73-65 to Nevada
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Boise State battled Nevada to the end but came up short 73-65 in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament quarterfinals in the Lawlor Events Center in Reno, Nev. The game was close throughout with the largest lead being eight points held by both teams during the contest. The Wolf Pack outscored the Broncos 11-2 in the final three minutes to move onto the semifinals against the winner of the Louisiana Tech-New Mexico State game.
Boise State started the game a little slow as Nevada claimed an early seven-point 10-3 lead five minutes into the contest. However, the Broncos gathered themselves to roll off a 9-1 run, taking their first lead at 12-11 with 12:17 to play. They stretched the advantage to eight points, 24-16, by the 5:58 mark. The teams went back and forth in the final six minutes before Boise State eventually took a four-point 34-30 lead into halftime.
The second half was close as well with four ties and seven lead changes. Nevada used a 9-2 run to take their first lead of the half at 46-45 with 13:40 to play. The game remained a five-point contest to the final minute as the Broncos and Wolf Pack traded leads.
Boise State’s last lead came with 2:48 to play when Janie Bos hit a short jumper for a 63-62 Bronco advantage. Nevada responded by outscoring the Broncos 11-2 to close the game. Cherlanda Franklin gave the Wolf Pack the lead for good 30 seconds later when she scored on a jumper from inside the key.
Nevada then held off Boise State by hitting seven-of-eight free throws in the last 1:10 of the game.
Turnovers were big in the game as both teams combined for 44 in the contest resulting in a 24-16 Nevada advantage in points off turnovers.
The Wolf Pack also seized control of the glass in the second period, out rebounding the Broncos 20-13 including 10 offensive boards for an 11-5 edge in second chance points.
Three Broncos finished the night in double-figure points led by Melissa Rima with 12 points, four rebounds, one block and one assist. Senior Jamia Malone added 11 points, four boards, three assists and one steal and freshman Heather Pilcher recorded 11 points, two assists and one steal. In all, nine of the 10 Broncos who played scored in the game.
The loss marks the first time the Broncos failed to win their opening game at the WAC tournament as they concluded the season at 16-15 overall, their third straight winning season.
COURTESY BRONCOSPORTS