Right now around the state, all the buzz is and should be wrapped around the girls state tournament that begins today at 1:15 PM (Mountain Time). But for the sake of being complete, a quick take on the Vandal/Bronco game last night.
Sometimes, the worst thing that can happen is getting out to a big lead. When Boise State jumped out to a 8-0 lead and then 15-2, the hardest part is to keep pouring it on. The Vandals, to their credit, changed up their defense, slowed the game down and got the tempo back to their liking.
Idaho, when they did play man to man, put on tremendous pressure on Boise State's guards. They pick up about 35 feet from the basket and, especially against teams that don't set high picks with their posts, do a good job of hard switching. Really causes problems and keeps teams from getting in their offense. This program is certainly heading in the right direction, only 2 games out of second place in the WAC.
Boise State fans: great job packing Taco Bell Arena! For two straight games, you showed that this could possibly be a basketball town (or at least the up and coming little brother to football). Please keep going to the games. One loss does not a season ruin. Coming in to this year, the Broncos were expected to finish in fifth place. Ahead of pace, 1 game out of second and beating #17 Utah State means that things are as good or better than expected.
OK, now back to the state championships. The good news: 44 games are going to be webcast by IdahoSports.com - the biggest undertaking in Idaho history! The bad news: if you are tuning in to watch the girls 5A 1:15 (Centennial vs. Lake City) or 3:00 (Highland vs. Boise) games you are going to have to listen to me. What can I say? In this economy I'm cheap help.