Broncos Drop Opener in Orlando

Thursday, November 23

Orlando, Fla. (State Farm Field House)

6 p.m. MT

Boise State

2-2,0-0Mountain West

Virginia Tech

4-1,0-0ACC

Boise St.

Virginia Tech

11/23/2023 9:11:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Gamebook Postgame Notes

ORLANDO, Fla. – Playing an ACC opponent in back-to-back games for the first time in program history, Boise State men's basketball dropped a narrow contest to Virginia Tech, 82-75, to open the ESPN Events Invitational on Thursday at the State Farm Field House.

After leading for 21:12, the Broncos (2-2) pulled within two points thanks to a 3-pointer from Max Rice with 3:17 remaining. Virginia Tech (4-1) responded with five-straight points.Chibuzo Agbo and Tyson Degenhart dove for a loose ball that was called a jump ball. The possession arrow went the Hokies' way, and Sean Pedulla was able to make a 3-pointer from deep.

Degenhart couldn't finish a shot in the post, and Virginia Tech scored on the other end to make it a two-possession game. Rice was called for a travel on the ensuing end.

Quotable

"You know we were disappointed and we're just working through some stuff," said head coach Leon Rice. "It was our turnovers tonight because we've been moving around different guys in the point guard spot. We've just been a bit discombobulated and they are a really good defensive team."

Top Broncos

Tyson Degenhart led the Broncos with 18 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
Chibuzo Agbo added 15 points, collecting nine rebounds and an assist.
O'Mar Stanley finished with 13 points, three boards and two assists off the bench.

Notables

Boise State used its third different starting lineup this season with Jace Whiting replacing Roddie Anderson III . . . first time the Broncos have used three different starting lineups through the first four games since 2015-16.
Four Broncos scored in double figures for the second time this season — first against a Division I opponent.
At least 10 players saw the floor for Boise State for the third time this season.
The Broncos made a season-high eight 3-pointers.

What's Next
Boise State turns its attention to a Friday game against VCU at 6 p.m. MT on the ESPN Family of Networks. This is the first meeting between the two programs since Dec. 28, 1973.