The Broncos spent the last week climbing out of an early stumble against Division II Hawaii Pacific, distinguishing Tuesday’s 62-59 win over Wichita State as a step in the right direction.
The team improved to 4-1 and secured their third straight win since the home opener loss to Hawaii Pacific. Boise State controlled most of the night, building a 15-point second-half lead and surviving a late push that ended with a missed three at the buzzer.
The defense set the tone throughout the contest. The Broncos held the Shockers to 26% from deep and pushed them into 11 turnovers. The physical interior play from Andrew Meadow helped limit 7-foot-two-inch center Will Berg, who finished with only two offensive rebounds. Meadow said the matchup forced the team to stay composed and keep their emotions in check to avoid panic.
“[Berg] is huge and probably one of the biggest guys I have played,” Meadow said. “We wanted to make sure he feels our presence and that we stay physical with him.”
The defense continued to stabilize the offense during long stretches. The Broncos missed their first eight shots of the game before Drew Fielder’s dunk helped them settle in. Fielder finished with 17 points and six rebounds, creating separation with a 15 to 2 run that pushed the lead to 50 to 35. Boise State protected the paint well, forcing Wichita State into contested jumpers during the final possessions.
Meadow said the group has kept their composure through each game since the loss.
“Basketball is a game of runs,” Meadow said. “They had a run and we had a run, but we stayed composed and kept going. We kept responding and kept competing.”
Head coach Leon Rice emphasized that the way Boise State closed the game matters more than how many points they won by, it shows the team can execute when possessions tighten up.
“We are getting better every day in practice. We want to be the team that responds to adversity and keeps competing,” Rice said. “You do not get to choose when a shot falls or [a] foul should be called, so you keep going and find another way to get a stop. That is growth.”
Now the Broncos turn to the Maui Invitational, where they will take on the USC Trojans.
The Trojans’ powerhouse basketball program poses a significant challenge for the Broncos.
USC enters the Maui Invitational unbeaten at 3-0 and averages almost 100 points per game. The Trojans shoot above 50% from the field and sit near the top of the country in assists. Boise State averages 72 points and leans on defense and rebounding to stay in games. The contrast sets up a clear test of pace and poise.
ESPN’s matchup predictor gives USC a 77% chance of winning. Freshman guard RJ Rice leads the Trojans with 19 points per game while Meadow averages more than 15 for Boise State. USC also holds teams to 41% shooting and uses its length to close windows on the perimeter.
To extend their streak against USC, the Broncos must slow down the game, protect the ball and limit the Trojans’ offensive possessions. USC’s offensive masterclass forces opponents into a rushed frenzy, so Boise State will need disciplined spacing and sharp decision-making to hold their ground.
The Broncos held Montana State and Wichita State under 60 points and have moved into the top third of KenPom’s defensive rankings. They also improved their spacing in recent games, which created more paint touches and open kickouts.
Fielder said the timing of the trip comes at a good point in the team’s growth
“We responded the right way after the loss to start the season. We stayed together and stayed confident,” Fielder said. “We feel like we are building something.”
Boise State will play in the Maui Invitational for the first time, and the week offers a chance to measure itself against higher-level competition. The Trojans bring size, scoring and tempo that few early-season opponents can match.
Every game will demand poise and clean execution, which has been an important part of Boise State’s three-game climb since the home opener loss.
The Broncos have won three straight and now enter a setting that can accelerate their growth or expose their weaknesses. The next step comes Monday, when the Broncos find out how their momentum holds against USC.
