Different city, same story.

One week after a frustrating home loss to Boise State, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team suffered a frustrating road loss to Boise State yesterday.

The Broncos defeated the Rainbow Warriors, 54-49, in a Western Athletic Conference game at Boise, Idaho. A Taco Bell Arena crowd of 4,113 — the largest of the season for Boise State — watched the Broncos sweep the home-and-home series from Hawai'i for the second consecutive season.

"By and large, I thought our guys did a pretty good job," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "But the reality is we didn't win the game. We don't take any satisfaction out of playing anybody close."

The 'Bows dropped to 9-7 overall and 1-3 in the WAC. The Broncos improved to 12-3 with their sixth consecutive victory, and 3-0 in the WAC.

Roderick Flemings scored a game-high 17 points, but was the only Hawai'i player to reach double-figures. Petras Balocka added eight points and eight rebounds, and Brandon Adams contributed seven points and five rebounds for the 'Bows.

In a strange scheduling glitch, the 'Bows and Broncos were playing for the second time in seven days.

On Jan. 3, Boise State out-scored Hawai'i 12-2 in the closing minutes of a 70-58 victory at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Yesterday, Boise State out-scored Hawai'i 7-2 in the closing minutes.

"I thought we were in the game until the last minute or two," Nash said. "Guys tried to do a little too much and had costly turnovers down the stretch."

The game was tied at 47 with 2:25 remaining, but the 'Bows committed turnovers on each of their next four possessions, and fell behind 54-47.

Prior to fading late in the game, the 'Bows rallied from a 13-point deficit in the second half, and even had a momentary 44-43 lead with 6:52 remaining.

"I give our guys credit, they fought back in the second half, didn't give up," Nash said. "We worked our way back and started to feel good about ourselves, but we just couldn't close out the game."

The Broncos closed the first half with a 9-0 run to take a 33-23 lead at halftime. They increased it to 37-24 early in the second half.

Hawai'i got back in it with an 11-2 run, then a 3-pointer by Flemings gave the 'Bows a 44-43 lead.

After the game was tied at 47, Anthony Thomas drained a 3-pointer to give Boise State the lead for good.

Thomas led the Broncos with 13 points. Boise State is 5-0 against Hawai'i since last season.

Hawai'i shot 33.3 percent from the field, while Boise State shot 34.6 percent. The 'Bows out-rebounded the Broncos, 36-33.

"I thought our guys played solid defense, holding them to 22 percent in the second half," Nash said. "But you have to play both halves, and you have to play for 40 minutes."

The 'Bows played without starting point guard Hiram Thompson, who was not in uniform due to a hamstring injury.

Lasha Parghalava started in Thompson's place, and finished with five points and two assists.

Yesterday's loss capped a forgettable trip to the state of Idaho for the 'Bows. On Thursday, Idaho defeated Hawai'i, 67-47.

It is the first time since 1993 that a Hawai'i team was held below 50 points in back-to-back games.

It was also Hawai'i's ninth consecutive loss away from home, including a 0-3 road record this season.

The 'Bows are scheduled to return to Honolulu today. They will host San Jose State on Saturday at the Sheriff Center.