Boise State
11-16
Utah State
22-6
Broncos' Late Lead Slips Away Against Utah State
2/23/2019 7:09:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State was up five points with 48 seconds left in regulation, but a combination of unfortunate events created the perfect storm, as Utah State was able to force overtime and eventually pick up the 78-71 win at Taco Bell Arena.
The Broncos (11-16, 6-8) were sensational in staging a comeback late in the second half. Down by nine points at 59-50 with 5:50 remaining, Boise State ripped off a 13-0 run to take the 63-59 lead with 1:30 to play.
Utah State (22-6, 12-3) converted a layup to break up the Bronco run, but Justinian Jessup answered with his fourth 3-pointer of the night to make it a 66-61 game with 48 seconds to play.
Boise State went 2-of-4 from the free throw line in the final 48 seconds while Utah State was able to score seven points, tying the game at 68-68 to push it to overtime.
Utah State outscored Boise State 6-0 in the final 1:59 of overtime and did enough to claim the victory.
Derrick Alston led the Broncos with 22 points, playing a career-high 39 minutes. Jessup was sensational with 21 points of his own while Alex Hobbs tallied the first double-double of his career with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Sam Merrill had 32 points to lead the Aggies.
Boise State was exceptional from three against the Aggies, going 12-of-25 (48%). The team is now 3-1 this season when hitting 12 or more threes. The Broncos left some points on the free throw line, however, going 11-of-19 (57.9%).
Boise State will look to break up its three-game losing streak on Wednesday, Feb. 27 when it takes on Colorado State (11-16, 6-8) back at Taco Bell Arena. Tip will be at 7 p.m. and the game will once again broadcast on Stadium's Facebook page.
