Boise State secured a 62-59 win over Colorado State in Boise on Saturday, ending the Rams’ 12-game road winning streak. The Broncos’ victory was fueled by strong performances from Dani Bayes, Libby Hutton, and Tatum Thompson, who combined for 52 points.
Bayes began the game with a three-pointer just seconds after tip-off, but Colorado State responded with an 8-0 run. Boise State struggled offensively in the early minutes and relied on free throws to keep pace until Thompson broke their field goal drought late in the first quarter. At the end of the opening period, Colorado State led 21-14.
In the second quarter, both teams experienced scoreless stretches. Bayes and Thompson contributed key baskets for Boise State while Hannah Ronsiek led scoring efforts for Colorado State. By halftime, Colorado State held a 33-27 advantage.
The Broncos started strong in the third quarter with an 8-0 run that gave them their first lead since early in the game. Both teams traded baskets throughout the period before Boise State entered the fourth quarter up by two points.
During a closely contested final quarter, Boise State overcame multiple deficits. Key plays included three-pointers from Mya Hansen and Tatum Thompson during an important 8-0 run late in the game. With under a minute left, Natalie Pasco scored a layup to give Boise State a three-point lead. A block by Hutton on Colorado State’s last attempt helped secure the win.
Tatum Thompson finished with 25 points and seven rebounds; Libby Hutton had 15 points and six rebounds; Dani Bayes recorded her first career double-double with 12 points and a career-high 11 rebounds along with five assists.
Head coach Gordy Presnell commented: “It was a great win for us against an incredibly great team,” head coach Gordy Presnell said. “It was a very complete team win. We were intense today and we played great basketball. I am really proud of our team and their resilience. We now need to get ready for Wyoming but are enjoying tonight.”
Senior Dani Bayes added: “We have been in a lot of those situations [close games] in the past and they haven’t gone the way we wanted to,” senior Dani Bayes said. “We finally put everything we have learned together. I am also so proud of Libby. She fits into the starter group so awesome and makes critical plays that save all of us. I am so proud of her and how this team fought today.”
Additional highlights include Mason Borcherding matching her career high with two assists, while Mya Hansen moved into a tie for 15th place in program history for career three-pointers made at 132.
The Broncos achieved their highest total of second-chance points this season at 19 and won against Colorado State for the first time since January 22, 2022; however, Colorado State still leads their all-time series.
Boise State will play next against Wyoming on January 14 at ExtraMile Arena.
