All about the Seniors
It wasn't forced, premeditated, or contrived it was a moment that was completely and genuinely Anthony Drmic -- as he dead panned the Taco Bell Arena crowd, and gave his signature three point celebration going down the floor.
Fortunately for BSU fans it was a look and celebration they'd seen many times from Drmic, unfortunately for Bronco faithful it’s the last such celebration they'll ever see from him on his home floor.
It was a quick snapshot of what makes nights like senior night so emotional for fans, players, and coaches alike across the nation. Very few times in life do you get to see, so clearly, the end of the road you're on. Planned obsolescence is rare, and extremely hard to prepare for.
Take Cinderella for example. Not only did she lose an article of clothing as her time dwindled down, but she nearly lost the love of her life in the process. Performing under such strong emotions isn’t something to be taken lightly. You can either be crushed by the weight of emotional wave, or you can ride it to victory.
The Broncos chose the latter.
The BSU seniors were quick to prove the night was not just ceremonious, they were there to take care of business, pushing BSU out to a nine to nothing lead with all nine points being scored by Bronco seniors.
Lonnie Jackson left his mark on this game and Boise State exactly the same way he left his mark at Boston College, from deep. Sniping a deep triple early in the first half, continuing to show how valuable of an addition to BSU he has been this year.
Montigo Alford showed flashes of the electric athleticism that people will be talking about seeing for years to come. Grabbing defensive rebounds, and flying up the floor at break-neck speeds and leaping with reckless abandon into and over would be defenders.
Mikey Thompson continued his remarkably consistent season, finishing his senior night with seven points on an efficient three of four shooting, highlighted by a rare Thompson dunk in the second half.
As you can tell, the game was the least important part about Wednesday night. It was the elusive instance where the players were bigger than game.
Sufficient to say Boise showed once again why no one will be shocked if they go down to Vegas, win three games, and end this season in the NCAA tournament for the third time in four years.
Even though the four Bronco seniors home careers are over, their season is not, and they still have a lot left to play for.
Boise can still jump into the 2nd seed in the Mountain West Tournament with a little help from Fresno State, and every game added to the schedule is another for Anthony Drmic who is just 27 points shy of tying Tanoka Beard’s all-time scoring record which has stood for 23 years.
BSU’s next chance to keep their hot streak going is in their regular season finale, Saturday, against San Jose State at 7pm MT.