It may have been just an exhibition game to Boise State but the College of Idaho basketball team saw it as a challenge and an opportunity.

BSU hosted the Coyotes in an exhibition basketball game Thursday night and the Broncos won as expected but not like expected, beating the Yotes 74-69.

C of I players admitted, they had nothing to lose and played lights out leading by 5 at the half. Eventually Boise States depth and size started to take control.

BSU senior standout Chandler Hutchison scored 25 and admitted the Broncos may have overlooked the Coyotes despite the success of the program. Hutchison said they came out and gave us a gut punch but we finally found our identity in time to win.

A game like this is always great for the fans especially since the College of Idaho features nine players from the Treasure Valley but it's Leon Rice's nightmare. He knows most of the Coyote players who teased coach Rice they were coming for bear. Rice knew they meant it but his team didn't figure it out until the second half.

Boise State opens the regular season a week from tonight by hosting Eastern Oregon followed by a Sunday game against Southern Utah.

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