Bronco Comeback Attempt Comes Up Short

Thursday, December 19

Seattle, Wash.

1 p.m. MT

Boise State

10-3,0-0Mountain West

North Dakota State

7-5,0-0Summit League

North Dakota St.

Boise St.

12/19/2024 3:45:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Gamebook Photos Photo Gallery

SEATTLE – Boise State women's basketball nearly pulled off a comeback, but ultimately dropped its final nonconference game of the season to North Dakota State, 70-66, Thursday afternoon.

The Broncos (10-3) fell behind by 17 points late in the first half, but climbed back to tie the game midway through the third period. The Bison (7-5) answered immediately with a 9-2 run, and maintained a two-possession lead for the remainder of the contest to clinch the victory.

Abby Muse scored a season-high 19 points in the loss, finishing 9-of-13 from the floor. Natalie Pasco and Tatum Thompson both chipped in 12 points, while Teryn Gardner added a trio of 3-pointers off the bench. Boise State was outrebounded 35-24 in the loss.

Boise State struggled in the opening frame, shooting 10.0% from the floor and committing eight turnovers as North Dakota State jumped out to an 18-6 first-quarter lead.

Muse cut the Bronco deficit to single digits by converting three consecutive baskets, but the Bison responded with their own 9-0 run. Gardner stopped the drought with a deep 3-pointer, but Boise State went to the locker room trailing 36-22.

Boise State turned the game around in the second half, opening the half with 10 consecutive points. The Broncos continued the offensive attack, outscoring North Dakota State 17-5 in the first five minutes to tie the game at 41. The Bison responded with a 9-2 run and took a 52-46 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Broncos cut the lead to under five points six separate times in the final frame, but couldn't push through as the Bison came away victorious.

Top Broncos
- Abby Muse scored a season-high 19 points on a 9-of-13 shooting performance. The fifth year added eight blocks, three blocks, two assists and two steals.
- Natalie Pasco finished with 12 points, including a pair of 3-pointers.
- Tatum Thompson recorded 12 points and five rebounds.
- Teryn Gardner converted a trio of 3-pointers to finish with nine points.

Notables
- North Dakota State committed 22 turnovers in the contest. Boise State has now forced opposing teams to turn the ball over 20+ times in six contests on the year.
- The Broncos recorded 10 blocks in the game, marking their third game this season with 10 or more blocks.
- Abby Muse matched her season-high with 19 points. The fifth year finished three points shy of her career-high 22 points, which she recorded against Colorado State on Dec. 28, 2021.
- Teryn Gardner recorded her first career game with three 3-pointers.
- Dani Bayes surpassed 600 points in the contest, finishing with 606.

Quotables
"We got more engaged in the game emotionally and executed a bit better in the third quarter. To beat a good team you have to play great for four quarters and we didn't do that tonight. Eight turnovers and 1-for-10 shooting before we got going - we're not going to win many games in our league doing that." - head coach Gordy Presnell

What's Next
Boise State will open Mountain West play on the road against San Diego State in Viejas Arena on Sunday, Dec. 29. The game will tip off at 2 p.m. MT and will be broadcast on the MW Network and 670 KBOI AM.