Rally Comes Up Short in Logan

Saturday, February 8

Logan, Utah

8:00 P.M. MT

Boise State

16-9, 8-5MW

Utah State

19-7, 8-5MW

Boise St.

Utah State

Photo by: Boise State University

2/8/2020 11:10:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Boise State Postgame Notes

LOGAN, Utah - Boise State and Utah State added another chapter to a long history of memorable men's basketball games Saturday, with the Aggies prevailing 70-61 in Logan, Utah. After trailing by 11 in the second half, the Broncos pulled within one twice in the closing minutes but the Aggies made 15-of-16 free throws in the final 5:10 to stay in front and end Boise State's five-game winning streak.

Alex Hobbs finished a layup in transition to get the Broncos within one at 60-59 with 2:33 to play. After a defensive stop, Hobbs got the ball on the break again but this time could not finish through contact and did not draw a foul.

Boise State (16-9, 8-5 MW) cut it to one once more on a Riley Abercrombie layup with 1:01 left. Utah State (19-7, 8-5 MW) scored the last eight points to provide the final margin.

Justinian Jessup scored 15 of his team-high 20 points in the second half, including seven down the stretch as the Broncos staged their final rally. Hobbs finished with 15 points and a team-high six rebounds.

Abercrombie played a career-high 17 minutes, predominantly at the center position after RJ Williams and Robin Jorch each fouled out in 11 and 13 minutes, respectively. The 6-foot-9, 210-pound redshirt freshman battled on the block against Utah State's 7-foot, 245-pound Neemias Queta. On the possession following Abercrombie's layup to trim the deficit back to one, he was whistled for a flagrant foul at the end of the shot clock, trying to keep Queta from getting a clean look. Queta made both free throws and the Aggies retained possession, eventually taking a five-point lead before the Broncos got the ball back.

Boise State returns home for its next two games. The Broncos host Air Force Tuesday (Feb. 11; 7 pm) and No. 4 San Diego State Sunday (Feb. 16, 2 p.m.). Tickets can be purchased by visiting BroncoSports.com/tickets, calling 208-426-4737 or stopping by the Boise State Athletic Ticket Office on the west side of Albertsons Stadium.