“Broncos defeat Gaels 67-65 in overtime showdown.”

IDAHO FALLS, ID. – The Boise State Broncos edged out the Saint Mary’s Gaels with a narrow 67-65 overtime win over the Saint Mary’s Gaels on December 14, 2024 at the Mountain America Center. This showdown showcased the intense competition between two formidable teams fighting for glory and momentum for the remainder of their season.

The game was exciting from the start, with the Broncos taking an impressive lead and showing their dominance early by taking control of the game. They shot well over 50% in the first half and led the Gaels by as many as 13 points. At halftime they had a 32-26 lead. Tyson Degenhart stood out in the first half and contributed significantly to the Broncos’ increase in points with a total of 19 points.

Despite the early deficit, the Gaels, who had a pregame record of 9-2, showed remarkable resilience. Their leading scorer, Augustas Marciulionis, persevered and ultimately led the Gaels with 17 points and six assists. The Gaels were particularly effective at forcing turnovers; They managed to overcome seven Broncos turnovers in the first half to secure 10 points.

After trailing at halftime, Saint Mary’s adjusted its strategy and employed the so-called “two-tower system” with Mitchell Saxen and Andrew McKeever simultaneously. That adjustment allowed them to gain momentum, sparked by Luke Barrett’s game-winning three-pointer late in the first half that sparked a 6-0 run. They quickly recovered in the second half and took the lead for the first time at 39:37, trying to maintain control with aggressive defensive play.

The game grew in intensity as neither team managed to regain more than a one-possession lead in the second half. With just 21 seconds remaining and the Gaels trailing, Mikey Lewis hit a clutch stepback three-pointer to put Saint Mary’s ahead 59-57. But the Broncos countered quickly, hitting two free throws to tie the game 59-59 and force it into overtime.

In extra time, scoring was the top priority; Each team struggled offensively as the defense grew stronger. The Gaels took the lead twice in overtime, with both Barrett and Jordan Ross hitting perfect shots from the free throw line early on. Unfortunately, the Broncos weathered the storm and finally regained the lead with 2:14 left. Their solid free throw down the stretch sealed the win as they converted six of eight attempts compared to the Gaels’ 4-5 performance at the foul line.

Andrew McKeever and Augustas Marciulionis also contributed significantly to the score, with McKeever posting nine points and eight rebounds. Luke Barrett collected 13 points and seven points, ensuring the Gaels had multiple scoring opportunities throughout the contest as they kept the pressure on their opponents.

This game was one of Boise State’s most impressive wins of the season as they improved to 7-3. The Gaels, on the other hand, fell to 9-2 but definitely showed their competitiveness and ability to overcome adversity, giving them hope for their next game against Merrimack.

Looking at the bigger picture, this game certainly showed why both teams are considered tough competitors. As December comes to a close and teams become more involved within their respective conference schedules, each game becomes even more important. Fans can look forward to an even more exciting contest as Boise State prepares for the next game and Saint Mary’s looks to continue improving its performance.

The future schedules of both teams promise excitement. While Saint Mary’s will look to bounce back with its upcoming home game against Merrimack, Boise State is focused on maintaining the momentum as they prepare for the Mountain Conference schedule that begins soon.

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“Broncos defeat Gaels 67-65 in overtime showdown.”

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