Monday, December 23, 2013

Broncos Roll to 80-54 Win Over South Carolina

Anthony Drmic scored from nearly every place on the court, as the junior guard poured in 30 points and had six rebounds to lead Boise State to a lopsided 80-54 win over South Carolina tonight in Honolulu. The Broncos will meet #14 Iowa State in the championship game of the Diamond Head Classic on Christmas night.

The Broncos looked smooth and confident from the get-go, exploding to a 13-4 lead six minutes into the contest against the Gamecocks. Drmic scored nine of his team's 13 to set the tone early. Boise State undoubtedly played one of their best games of the season, throwing a stifling defense on inexperienced South Carolina.

Meanwhile, Coach Leon Rice's team utilized unselfish play and crisp passing, often finding open Broncos for easy buckets underneath. Boise State led at the break, 43-28, with Drmic piling up 20 points.

Boise State continued to build their lead in the second half, opening up a thirty-point lead with 8:53 remaining on a three-ball from Jeff Elorriaga. Coach Rice emptied his bench in the final minutes.

Drmic hit 10-of-17 shots from the field; his repertoire featured three-pointers, pull-up jumpers, floaters in the lane, and difficult driving layups that often resulted in fouls. Drmic connected on 8-of-11 from the free-throw line. Elorriage's three treys resulted in nine points, while big man Ryan Watkins contributed eight points, three rebounds and three assists.  Igor Hadziomerovic had four assists for Boise State.

Brenton Williams came off the bench to hit 14 points for South Carolina, while Duane Notice added 13.

Boise State forced 18 Gamecock turnovers while committing just nine themselves. Boise State advanced to 10-2 with the win, while South Carolina dropped to 3-5.