High-Flying Gaels, Surging Broncos Set for Nonconference Clash

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (Interstat) — Two of the West’s hottest men’s basketball teams will meet Sunday when Saint Mary’s faces Boise State in a nonconference showdown at the Arena in Idaho Falls.

The Gaels (9-1) have won eight of their last nine, their lone loss a 96-71 rout at Vanderbilt on Nov. 28. They are coming off a 70-61 road win at Davidson on Dec. 7, where Joshua Dent scored 21 points and Andrew McKeever posted a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Dent, a dynamic guard, has been instrumental. He is averaging 14.4 points and 4.8 assists per game, including a 24-point outburst against UC Merced and a 21-point, five-assist performance at Davidson.

“He’s our engine,” Saint Mary’s coach Randy Bennett said of Dent. “His pace and decision-making set the tone for everything we do.”

The Broncos (7-3) have won three straight, most recently an 86-64 dismantling of Duquesne on Wednesday. Forward Pearson Carmichael erupted for 26 points in just 23 minutes in that victory, showcasing his efficient scoring punch. Over his last four games, the 6-foot-10 sophomore is averaging 15.2 points.

“Pearson is finding his rhythm within our offense,” Boise State coach Leon Rice said. “His ability to stretch the floor is a key for us.”

Boise State’s losses have come against power-conference opponents North Carolina State and Southern California by a combined 14 points. Their defense has been a staple, holding opponents to 66.2 points per game.

Saint Mary’s boasts a more potent offense, averaging 79.6 points behind Dent and a balanced attack. Their rebounding margin (+8.4) will test a Boise State team that has been outrebounded in three of its last five games.

This marks the first meeting between the programs since 2019. For Saint Mary’s, it’s a final major nonconference test before West Coast Conference play begins next week. For Boise State, it’s a chance to add a quadrant-one caliber win to its NCAA tournament resume before Mountain West Conference action resumes.

Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. MST Sunday. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.