Oakland Raiders: Who Should Be Blamed For the Team’s Struggles?

Oakland Raiders: Who Should Be Blamed For the Team’s Struggles? by Brian Banifatemi

Photo courtesy of Santa Clara Broncos Athletics

Despite a hot start, the Santa Clara Broncos were handed their first loss of the season in dramatic fashion, losing to the Utah State Aggies in overtime 80-78.

The Aggies, playing their first road game of the season, were evidently struggling to get used to the away court, as the Broncos got off to a 19-4 start. Kevin Foster, who finished with 27 points, scored 12 quick ones which included three 3-pointers (one for a four-point play).

But Utah State clawed their way back, outscoring Santa Clara 30-14 to finish the first half with a one-point lead.

That momentum carried over to the second half, as the Aggies led by as many as eight in the first portion of the half. The see-saw battle continued, as Santa Clara took a 62-60 lead on an Evan Roquemore layup with 3:20 to play.

The Broncos led 70-67 with three seconds remaining, only to have Preston Medlin drill a game-tying three to force overtime.

“I have to give Utah State credit for sticking in there. They stole one from us tonight,” said Bronco head coach Kerry Keating. “At the end of regulation we played 15 seconds of great defense and then let them hit that three with two seconds left to tie it up.”

Utah State would never trail in the overtime session, as they had an answer every time the Broncos scored. Trailing 80-78 with six seconds remaining, Roquemore missed the potential game-winning three-point shot, and Santa Clara lost in agonizing fashion.

Santa Clara was held to 41.2 percent shooting from the field and just 7-23 on three-point attempts, both of which were way below their season averages.

The Broncos are now 5-1 and will play UC Santa Barbara on Saturday at home.