Boise, Idaho – The University of Utah Runnin’ Utes traveled to Boise to meet the Broncos of Boise St. in a battle of two unbeaten teams. Both teams pointed to this game as the game that defines where there programs are. Both teams 6-0, both teams come into the match having played weak schedules to this point. The Broncos in the end came out on top by two points after several chances by both teams to put the game away.
Boise St lead by seven 32-25 at the half. Jordan Loveridge had a slow start in the first half but turned it on in the second halfing hitting a key 3 pointer with just under two minutes left in the game to take a one point lead. The Broncos missed a Jumpshot by Derrick Marks but he made it up with a shot after a miss by Renan Lenz with 55 seconds remaining. Utah called their final timeout and setup a play for a three by Kenneth Ogbe. Loveridge fouled Marks immediately to send him to the line for a one and one. Marks missed the first free-throw and Utah rebounded and moved quickly down court to have the ball stolen by Jeff Elorriaga with 25 seconds to play. Delon Wright was able to foul Marks to send him to the line one last time but he made both free throws to put the Broncos up three points with 18 seconds to go. Loveridge missed a three pointer and Wright gathered the rebound but was fouled right away by Elorriaga to prevent another attempt at a three. With six seconds left Wright missed one of the two free throws and closed the gap to 2 points with 4 seconds left wihen Brandon Taylor fouled Jeff Elorriaga who missed his two free throws. Loveridge had a chance at a final shot and let it fly a little early and in the Bronco backcourt falling short and leaving the Utes with their first loss of the season.
Jordan Loveridge lead the Utes in scoring with 19 and 5 rebounds. Delon Wright had a nice outing with a double double of 15 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists. The Broncos were lead by Derrick Marks with 17 points and six rebounds.
This was the seventh matchup all-time between the Utes and Broncos with Utah holding a 4-3 advantage in the series after Tuesday’s loss.
The Utes next meet Fresno St on Saturday Dec. 7th as the start the first of seven games at home. Conference play begins the first week in January as they take on Oregon and Oregon St. on Jan 2nd and Saturday January 4th 2014.