BOISE, Idaho — In Boise State’s 77-62 win over Nevada on Tuesday night, it was clear early on that Max Rice was going to be productive against Nevada. In the first four minutes of the game, Rice scored all eight of Boise State’s points and made three of his first four shots.
He scored 29 points in the entire game, four points more than his career high. His scoring put Boise State ahead in the first half, and the defensive focus on him in the second half opened up the floor for others to score.
“I’ve seen players score a lot more points in the half,” head coach Leon Rice said of Max’s first half. “But when they’re that skilled it makes all the difference in the world. One of the best stops I’ve had at this gym since I moved here and that’s saying something.”
The last time the two teams saw each other was in late December in Reno. Nevada guard Kennon Blackshear made a layup with four seconds left in the game to put the Wolf Pack up by one point, ultimately winning them the game.
Rice finished that game with two scores, which was heavy on his mind going into their second match-up.
Rice said, “Sometimes to outdo myself, I’m like, these dudes can’t believe I’m out here.” And show them I can hoop too. So tonight I came in with a different mindset and it really paid off for me and I’ll obviously continue to do that in the future.”
21 of Rice’s 29 points came in the first half. Later in the period, it was Tyson Degenhart’s pass attempt that won the game. After making only two shots in the first half, Degenhart scored 12.
With 12 games left, the Broncos are in first place in the Mountain West. On Friday night, they will travel to Albuquerque to face off against New Mexico.
Tip-off is at 9 p.m. MT and the game will be broadcast on FS1.
