FRESNO, Calif. (Interstat) — Javan Buchanan scored 26 points and Boise State used a dominant defensive performance to pull away from Fresno State for a 69-53 victory in a Mountain West Conference men’s basketball game Saturday night at Save Mart Center.

The Broncos, who led by five at halftime, held the Bulldogs to a season-low offensive output and just three made 3-pointers to secure their third consecutive win and improve to 18-11 overall. Fresno State dropped to 12-16.

The most critical stretch of the game came early in the second half, when Boise State transformed a narrow 28-23 halftime lead into a commanding double-digit advantage. The Bulldogs, struggling to find any offensive rhythm, managed just two field goals in the first seven minutes after the break. During that same span, the Broncos unleashed a 15-4 run, fueled by Buchanan’s aggressive play and stifling team defense that forced Fresno State into contested shots and turnovers.

Buchanan, a 6-foot-7 guard from Lafayette, Indiana, was the catalyst throughout. He shot 10 of 19 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and added three assists and two steals in 33 minutes. His performance continued a strong late-season surge, following a 17-point outing in a win over Wyoming earlier in the week.

Andrew Meadow added 14 points for Boise State, while Dylan Andrews chipped in 11 points and three assists. The Broncos overcame a cold shooting night from deep, making just 11 of 37 attempts from 3-point range, by dominating the glass with 15 offensive rebounds that led to 16 second-chance points.

Fresno State was led by DeShawn Gory’s 20 points, and 7-foot center Wilson Jacques contributed 16 points. However, the Bulldogs’ offense never found its footing, shooting a dismal 3 for 18 from beyond the arc and posting an offensive rating of just 90.9 points per 100 possessions. Point guard Bastien Rieber dished out five assists but was held to two points on 1-of-6 shooting.

The first half was a slog for both teams, defined by missed shots and physical play. Boise State built its initial lead by holding Fresno State scoreless for the first four minutes and limiting the Bulldogs to 23 points in the period, a season low for a half. The Broncos were not much more efficient, shooting 32% before halftime, but Buchanan’s 10 first-half points provided just enough separation.

Boise State’s defense only intensified after halftime. The Broncos clogged driving lanes, switched effectively on screens, and consistently challenged shots at the rim, where Fresno State shot under 40%. The Bulldogs finished with only four assists against seven turnovers, a testament to Boise State’s disruptive game plan.

With the victory, Boise State maintains its position in the upper half of the Mountain West standings as the regular season enters its final week. The Broncos will host San Diego State on Tuesday. Fresno State, which has lost four of its last five, looks to regroup when it hosts San Jose State, also on Tuesday.

An announced crowd of 6,142 watched as the Broncos held an opponent under 60 points for the eighth time this season. The 53 points allowed marked Boise State’s best defensive effort in conference play.

Interstat’s ELO system had given Boise State an 81.8 percent probability to win entering the contest, a projection the Broncos validated with a methodical and defensively focused road performance. The game was never in serious doubt after the Broncos’ decisive run to open the second half sealed Fresno State’s fate.