Boise State Defeats USD in Holiday Classic, 71-56

When the University of San Diego hosted Boise State earlier this month, the Toreros won, 54-52, on a three-point shot at the buzzer by Nils Madden.

But when the two teams met again Saturday night in Boise, USD had no opportunity for last-second heroics. The Broncos jumped out to a 19-8 lead midway through the first half and cruised to a 71-56 victory in the final game of the Holiday Classic.

Center Arnell Jones, the tournament’s most valuable player, helped the Broncos control the game early, scoring 6 of his 22 points in the first five minutes as Boise State took an 11-4 lead.

Defensively, the Broncos were just as dominant, playing an aggressive man-to-man game that forced 25 turnovers.

“They put a lot of heat on us defensively and we didn’t respond well,” USD Coach Hank Egan said. “We cut it to 10 a couple of times in the second half, but we couldn’t keep it going.”

After falling behind early, the Toreros could get no closer than 25-20 late in the first half. Center Scott Thompson and guard Paul Leonard had 13 points each to lead the Toreros’ faltering offense. USD attempted only 39 shots from the floor, making 16.

Boise State, meanwhile, had three players in double figures, including guard Chris Childs and forward Eric Hayes, who each scored 16 points. The Broncos were 23 of 49 from the floor.

“Boise State has a lot of tough matchups,” Egan said. “Jones has both strength and quickness, which is a good combination.”

The Toreros are 5-3. Seven of the team’s games have been on the road. Boise State improved to 7-1.

Joining Jones on the all-tournament team were Boise State’s Childs and Hayes, as well as USD’s Thompson and Madden.