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Clash at Clune Arena: Boise State Broncos Set to Battle Air Force Falcons

As the Boise State Broncos prepare to face off against the Air Force Falcons at Clune Arena, fans are bracing for what promises to be a riveting encounter. The Broncos, coming off a mixed bag of performances, are looking to assert their dominance and get back on track.


Jan 31, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Boise State Broncos guard Marcus Shaver Jr. (10) and Air Force Falcons guard Jake Heidbreder (3) battle for a loose ball in the first half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

In their last game on February 11 against the Utah State Aggies, ranked 22nd at the time, BSU struggled defensively and couldn't keep up with the Aggies' scoring pace. Despite putting up 61 points themselves, they allowed 80 points from Utah State. The statistics tell a story of missed opportunities and defensive lapses; with only one block and one steal while committing 19 personal fouls. Their field goal percentage stood at an unimpressive 36 percent overall with a mere 24 percent from beyond the arc.


However, it's not all doom and gloom for BSU fans. A previous encounter on February 3 saw them in fine form as they decimated AFA with a commanding scoreline of 94-56. That night in Boise was one for the books as they showcased what can only be described as an offensive clinic – sinking shots at an impressive rate of 60 percent from the field and an even more remarkable rate of 56 percent from three-point land.


Jan 31, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons guard Ethan Taylor (5) passes the ball in the second half against the Boise State Broncos at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The key takeaway is that when BSU gets it right, they really get it right. Their ability to convert second-chance points into scoring opportunities was evident as they racked up an additional thirteen points in this area alone during their triumphant win over AFA earlier this month.


Looking ahead to their upcoming game against AFA again but this time away from home presents both challenges and opportunities for BSU. They'll need to replicate that high-scoring offense while tightening up defensively if they hope to come out victorious once more.


Jan 31, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons forward Rytis Petraitis (31) controls the ball from the court against Boise State Broncos forward Naje Smith (23) and guard Max Rice (12) in the first half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons have shown resilience in past games but have also displayed weaknesses that BSU can exploit – notably their lower rebounding numbers (22 total rebounds compared to BSU's higher average) and turnovers (13 turnovers which led directly to twenty points for Boise State).


Fans should expect BSU's coaching staff will have analyzed these past performances meticulously; strategizing how best to capitalize on AFA’s vulnerabilities while shoring up their own defense after giving away too many easy baskets against Utah State.


With tip-off scheduled for February 27th at Clune Arena in Colorado Springs at precisely seven o'clock in the evening Mountain Time Zone, supporters who can't make it there can still catch all action live via internet broadcast on MW Network. This is set not just as another conference game but also as a chance for redemption or reaffirmation – depending on which side you're cheering for.

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