Sun, January 11, 2026
Sat, January 10, 2026
Fri, January 9, 2026

Boise State Sweeps Corn Bowl Classic

Boise, ID - January 10th, 2026 - Boise State's basketball team continued their impressive season, decisively sweeping the Corn Bowl Classic this weekend at ExtraMile Arena. The Broncos dismantled Akron in a doubleheader, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the Mountain West Conference and beyond.

The Boise State Broncos (10-3 overall) showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, securing victories of 92-63 and 99-68 against the Akron Zips (3-10). The dominant performance earned the team another trophy, a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout the season.

"We like winning trophies," Head Coach Leon Rice stated succinctly after the victory. "It's a good feeling to have. Those things don't just happen. It's a result of really good work." The coach attributed the team's success to a strong week of preparation, emphasizing the players' commitment to being ready to compete at a high level.

Bertram Lim Named Tournament MVP

The star of the weekend was undoubtedly Bertram Lim, who was rightfully named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Lim's consistent scoring - 24 points in the first game and 17 in the second - demonstrated his ability to control the game and create opportunities for his teammates. Coach Rice praised Lim's toughness, intelligence, and readiness to execute, noting that the MVP award was a well-deserved recognition of his efforts.

"It's a testament to his work," Rice said of Lim. "He's been really good at controlling the game and being ready to make plays."

Offensive Firepower and Defensive Pressure

The Broncos' offensive efficiency was a key factor in their victory. They shot an impressive 55.3% from the field and 43.2% from beyond the arc. The team's ability to move the ball effectively and find open shots proved too much for Akron to handle. O'Mar Isby also contributed significantly, leading the scoring effort in the second game with an impressive 25 points.

Akron's head coach, John Groce, acknowledged Boise State's superiority. "We didn't play our best game," Groce admitted. "Give Boise State a lot of credit. They're a tough team. They play with a lot of energy. We had a hard time scoring against them." The Zips struggled to find consistent scoring opportunities, highlighting the effectiveness of Boise State's defensive strategy.

The first game saw Boise State assert their dominance early, surging ahead with a 16-2 run that set the tone for the rest of the match. Taze Anderson added further firepower with 18 points, while O'Mar Isby contributed 14.

Looking Ahead

The Corn Bowl Classic victory marks a significant achievement for Boise State and fuels momentum as they head into Mountain West Conference play. The team will face a challenging test on Wednesday, January 14th, when they travel to San Diego State to face the Aztecs. With their current form and chemistry, the Broncos are poised to make a strong push for the conference title.

"It's a great feeling to sweep a tournament," said Taze Anderson. "We've been working hard all season. It's good to see it pay off."

The win extends Boise State's winning streak and underlines their commitment to consistent performance and trophy collection - a philosophy embraced wholeheartedly by Coach Rice and his team.


Read the Full The News-Gazette Article at:
[ https://www.news-gazette.com/sports/broncos-sweep-corn-bowl-classic-we-like-winning-trophies/article_3e827614-a823-4be0-bf07-075abeff2573.html ]