What's Happening?
The Boise State men's basketball team is set to face Fresno State in a Mountain West Conference game on Saturday. The Broncos, with a record of 17-11 overall and 9-8 in conference play, will play against the Bulldogs, who hold a 12-16 overall record and 6-11
in the conference. The game is scheduled to take place at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. Boise State head coach Leon Rice emphasized the challenge of playing in Fresno, noting the need for his team to generate their own energy in a large venue that typically lacks a full crowd. The Bulldogs have been competitive in recent games, narrowly losing to New Mexico and Colorado State. Senior guard Jake Heidbreder leads Fresno State with an average of 17.4 points per game, while Boise State's top player, junior center Drew Fielder, averages 14.4 points per game.
Why It's Important?
This matchup is significant for Boise State as they are in a three-way tie for sixth place in the Mountain West Conference standings with Colorado State and UNLV. Securing a win against Fresno State could improve their position and potentially earn them a first-round bye in the upcoming Mountain West Conference Tournament. The outcome of this game could also impact the seeding and matchups in the tournament, which is crucial for teams aiming to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. For Fresno State, a victory would be a morale booster and could disrupt Boise State's plans, adding an element of unpredictability to the conference standings.
What's Next?
Following this game, Boise State will face Colorado State on March 7 to conclude their regular season. This final game will be critical for determining their final standing in the conference and their seeding in the Mountain West Tournament. Both teams will be looking to finish the season strong, with Boise State aiming to secure a higher seed and Fresno State looking to end on a positive note. The top four teams in the conference will receive a first-round bye in the tournament, making these final games pivotal for Boise State's postseason aspirations.
