Boise State Basketball Faces Crucial Test Against Wichita State
The Boise State basketball team is gearing up for a significant challenge as they prepare to face Wichita State. After a rocky start to the 2025-26 season, the Broncos have managed to secure some victories, showcasing their resilience.
Recent Performance
Boise State opened their season on a disappointing note, suffering a narrow 79-78 loss against Hawaii Pacific, a Division II school. Following that setback, they rebounded with decisive wins against:
- Utah Valley (101-77)
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (85-65)
In their latest outing, Boise State clinched a close victory, defeating Montana State 62-58 thanks to a late-game surge.
What’s Next for Boise State
The team, which finished last season with a record of 22-11, is on the brink of a challenging schedule. They missed the NCAA Tournament after qualifying for three consecutive years. The upcoming match against Wichita State is critical for their season.
Wichita State’s Strengths
This season, Wichita State is off to a strong start, currently holding a 3-0 record and averaging an impressive 91.7 points per game. Their performance has placed them among the top 50 teams nationally.
Key statistics include:
- KenPom ranking: No. 98
- 3-point shooting percentage: 42.3%
- Leading scorer: Kenyon Giles, averaging 19.7 points per game and shooting 63.6% from three-point range
Boise State’s Strategy
Head coach Leon Rice emphasized the need for improvement as his team continues to learn from each game. Junior forward Drew Fielder highlighted the importance of rebounding against Wichita State, a team known for its offensive strength on the boards.
Boise State currently ranks 185th in the nation for defensive rebounds, averaging just 25 per game, while the Shockers are performing well in this area, averaging 16.3 offensive rebounds per game and ranking 24th nationally.
Looking Ahead
After facing Wichita State at ExtraMile Arena, the Broncos will prepare for the Maui Invitational. They are set to compete against:
- USC (ranked 19th in KenPom)
- Potential opponents include N.C. State (20th) or Seton Hall (90th)
- Further possible challenges against Texas (40th) or Arizona State (82nd)
Following the tournament in Hawaii, Boise State will return to play against well-established teams such as Butler, Duquesne, and Saint Mary’s before starting Mountain West play against Nevada on December 20.
As the Broncos face these competitive tests ahead, the team’s commitment to improvement and teamwork will be crucial for their success in the season.
