The Boise State Broncos sit firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Despite an impressive 23-7 record, the team doesn’t have a signature win on its schedule, and a strong finish is needed to garner them a chance for the big dance.
The Broncos were able to defeat their Mountain West conference foe San Diego State twice, however the Aztecs are not the same team of recent years, and are currently not ranked in the AP Top-25.
Boise State’s loss to Wisconsin on November 22nd was the the team’s only game against a ranked opponent. Boise State couldn’t get anything going against the Badgers and lost 78-54. With fellow bubble team Davidson handily beating Virginia Commonwealth by a score of 82-55 on Thursday, Boise State will need a big push over the home stretch to earn a tournament berth.
The season hasn’t been perfect for the Broncos who lost starting guard, Anthony Drmic to an ankle injury seven games into the season. Fortunately, Boise State features another stellar back court prospect with Derrick Marks. Marks is one of the Nation’s most under appreciated guards. His 19.8 points per game average leads the Broncos scoring attack, which is good enough for second in the Mountain West Conference.
In addition, Marks is a sensational defender averaging 1.9 steals per contest.
With Marks pacing the team’s back-court play, it’s sophomore forward James Webb III leading the charge at the team’s front court. Webb leads the team in rebounds with 7.8 per contest. Marks also shoots an incredible 57.5 percent from the field, making him one of the team’s most reliable options.
Currently, ESPN college basketball analyst, Joe Lunardi, has Boise State pegged as an 11 seed, which is subject to change depending on the outcome of the team’s remaining games.
However, with the leadership of Marks in the backcourt and the toughness of Webb in the frontcourt, Boise State might have already punched their ticket for March Madness, but a strong finish might be needed to remove any doubt the team might have.