Wednesday, November 20
Boise, Idaho
8:00 P.M. MT
Boise State
72
vs
68
BYU
Photo by: Boise State University
Broncos Win Thriller Over BYU
11/20/2019 11:14:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BOISE, Idaho -Â Justinian Jessup's three-pointer with 2:26 to play in overtime gave Boise State more than just a lead it would not relinquish in an eventual 72-68 victory over BYU. With one pure stroke, Jessup proved this is a new year.
"We exorcised some demons tonight," head coach Leon Rice said of the Broncos (2-2), who went 1-9 last season in games decided by three points or less or overtime.
"That is not how it's going this year," Jessup said. "We're flipping the switch, we're winning these games."
Jessup, who was 1-for-9 from the floor in regulation, pulled up off the dribble and buried a stepback triple to put Boise State on top 65-64. Less than two minutes later, the senior scooped up a loose ball and darted to the other end for a dunk to give the Broncos five-point lead and put an exclamation mark on a thrilling win over the Cougars (3-2) at ExtraMile Arena. Jessup added two free throws in the closing seconds, as he scored seven of his nine points in the extra period.
"He's a tough kid," Rice said of Jessup. "I really, really challenged him in the huddle about what he needs to start bringing to this team - and he knows. He didn't wilt. There was no doubt in my mind he was making that shot."
Derrick Alston Jr. continued his scorching start to the season with the first double-double of his career. Alston poured in 26 points and added a career-high 11 rebounds. He became the first Bronco in program history to score at least 20 points in each of the team's first four games.
Alston scored 14 points in the first half, helping the Broncos take a 27-20 lead into the break. His playmaking in the second half allowed RJ Williams to shine.
"We knew we were going to win that game," Alston said. "Playing together and playing confident is what got that done."
Williams - saddled by foul trouble - scored 18 points in 18 minutes. He was 6-for-6 from the field and earned 11 free throws. His 11 second-half points kept the Broncos in the game when BYU rattled off a 12-2 run to take a 39-38 lead with 13:34 to play in regulation.
From there, neither team led by more than three until Jessup's punctuating dunk in overtime. The game featured 15 lead changes and 10 ties.
It was the first meeting between Boise State and BYU in basketball since 2008, and the sixth time in 15 all-time matchups that the game was decided by four points or fewer.
The Broncos return to action Saturday, at Pacific. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. PT/5 p.m. MT and will be streamed live on Stadium.
Â
"We exorcised some demons tonight," head coach Leon Rice said of the Broncos (2-2), who went 1-9 last season in games decided by three points or less or overtime.
"That is not how it's going this year," Jessup said. "We're flipping the switch, we're winning these games."
Jessup, who was 1-for-9 from the floor in regulation, pulled up off the dribble and buried a stepback triple to put Boise State on top 65-64. Less than two minutes later, the senior scooped up a loose ball and darted to the other end for a dunk to give the Broncos five-point lead and put an exclamation mark on a thrilling win over the Cougars (3-2) at ExtraMile Arena. Jessup added two free throws in the closing seconds, as he scored seven of his nine points in the extra period.
"He's a tough kid," Rice said of Jessup. "I really, really challenged him in the huddle about what he needs to start bringing to this team - and he knows. He didn't wilt. There was no doubt in my mind he was making that shot."
Derrick Alston Jr. continued his scorching start to the season with the first double-double of his career. Alston poured in 26 points and added a career-high 11 rebounds. He became the first Bronco in program history to score at least 20 points in each of the team's first four games.
Alston scored 14 points in the first half, helping the Broncos take a 27-20 lead into the break. His playmaking in the second half allowed RJ Williams to shine.
"We knew we were going to win that game," Alston said. "Playing together and playing confident is what got that done."
Williams - saddled by foul trouble - scored 18 points in 18 minutes. He was 6-for-6 from the field and earned 11 free throws. His 11 second-half points kept the Broncos in the game when BYU rattled off a 12-2 run to take a 39-38 lead with 13:34 to play in regulation.
From there, neither team led by more than three until Jessup's punctuating dunk in overtime. The game featured 15 lead changes and 10 ties.
It was the first meeting between Boise State and BYU in basketball since 2008, and the sixth time in 15 all-time matchups that the game was decided by four points or fewer.
The Broncos return to action Saturday, at Pacific. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. PT/5 p.m. MT and will be streamed live on Stadium.
Â
Players Mentioned
Guard
/ Men's Basketball
Guard
/ Men's BasketballBronco Studios: Spencer Ahrens, U19 World Cup
Monday, July 14
MBB | Degenhart Signs with the Toronto Raptors
Friday, June 27
Boise State Men's Basketball: 2024-25 Season Recap
Monday, April 21
MBB | Dylan Andrews - Introduction to Bronco Nation
Thursday, April 17
