UVSC falls to Boise St. again

OREM — Utah Valley State came into its return game of a home-and-home series against Boise State team looking for revenge after losing to the Broncos by one point earlier in the season.

It didn't happen as the Broncos (7-3) didn't let the Wolverines (3-7) back into the game as they did in early November in getting an 87-77 win Thursday night. The loss extended UVSC's losing streak to five games.

While the loss was tough to bear, UVSC coach Dick Hunsaker thought his team played its best game of the season. "If we could eliminate some of our mental errors and turnovers they turned into easy scores, we could have been a bit more competitive down in the end," Hunsaker said.

Matt Nelson dominated inside for Boise State in tallying a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Reggie Larry led the Broncos with 18 points.

Boise State outshot the Wolverines 50.9 percent to 41.3 percent. The game, though, swung on points off turnovers as the Broncos won that battle 24-9.

With the game close after the Wolverines cut the Broncos lead to 66-62, the Wolverines weren't able to capitalize on being able to dominate on the defensive boards late by not converting chances.

"We just have to get tougher, and fight and compete for the duration of the game," Hunsaker said. "Everyone is going to have to take their turns making key plays."

Ryan Toolson was able to get 22 points, but only shot 2-for-10 behind the 3-point line. Jordan Brady added 20 points.

"If he feels comfortable, or if he's open and sees daylight, Toolson has a green light," Hunsaker said of letting Toolson shoot behind the 3-point line.

Anthony Thomas' 3-pointer gave Boise State a nine-point lead with a little more than six minutes left.

The Broncos pressed UVSC in taking the lead early in the second half. Despite putting the Wolverines into the bonus with more than 10 minutes left in the game, Boise State's pressure paid off as UVSC wasn't able to get many good looks at the basket.

The bonus advantage did not last, however, as Boise State's inside game drew enough fouls to give them the bonus with significant time, as well.

UVSC held a two-point lead at halftime —the same margin they had in the teams' first meeting — but there lead was never more than four points.