BOISE, Idaho – Playing its second straight game underhanded and undersized, Fresno State was defeated 90-66 by Boise State on Saturday at ExtraMile Arena. The size of the Broncos created problems throughout the day for Bulldogs, outscoring the 'Dogs in the paint by 10, outscoring them at the free-throw line by 15 and outrebounding them by 12.
Isaiah Pope scored a team-high 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting while hitting a season-high 4-of-8 from 3. The Broncos were led by Tyson Degenhart's 24 points and nine rebounds.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 11-2 early, a put back by Jalen Weaver was followed by a stop and a triple from the top of the key by Xavier DuSell in transition. After a two-plus minute drought that saw the Broncos extend their lead to 23-12, DuSell dropped in a 3 from the corner off an out-of-bounds play under the basket.
With the Bulldogs trying to keep the deficit in single digits by way of the 3-point line, back-to-back buckets from Max Rice, the second a triple off a turnover that put Boise State up 30-18 with 7:20 on the clock forced a timeout from the Bulldogs.
Three minutes later, the Broncos started an 8-2 stretch to increase their lead to 17 at 46-29. Boise State led by 15 at the half, out-attempting the 17-2 at the free-throw line.
Coming out of the break, DuSell sank a contested 3-pointer to pull the Bulldogs to within 12. It was the closest Fresno State would get during the final 20 minutes.
NOTES
Fresno State allowed a season-high 58.8 percent shooting from the field (30-of-51).
Fresno State allowed 90 points for the second time this season, first since Nov. 22 against James Madison.
Fresno State was outscored 19-4 at the free-throw line, the team's largest disparity of the season at the stripe.
Fresno State was outrebounded by double-digits for the sixth time this season and second-straight game.
Fresno State had seven turnovers, the third time in the last four games the Bulldogs have committed seven or less.
Fresno State's 11 made 3-pointers is tied for its third-most this season.
Isaiah Pope recorded his ninth double figure scoring game with 17 points.
It was the sixth time this season Pope has led the 'Dogs in scoring.
Isaiah Hill posted his team-leading 17th game in double figures with 15 points.
Xavier DuSell had his 16th game in double figures with 14 points.
With 13 points, Jalen Weaver had his third double-digit scoring game in his last four outings.
Pope and DuSell each knocked four 3-pointers on the day.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs will be off during the midweek ahead of hosting San Diego State next Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT. At halftime, Fresno State will retire Rod Higgins' #22 jersey.