Boise State Aims for Redemption Against New Mexico After Loss

BOISE, Idaho — The Boise State Broncos are poised for a critical rematch against the New Mexico Lobos on Wednesday night, following a disappointing defeat earlier this season. The game is set to tip off at 8 p.m. Mountain Time at ExtraMile Arena and is pivotal for the Broncos as they strive to keep their NCAA tournament hopes alive.

In their previous encounter in mid-January, the Broncos suffered a brutal 84-65 loss at The Pit in Albuquerque. The Lobos dominated the first half, entering halftime with a commanding 48-21 lead. Boise State’s head coach Leon Rice described the defeat as a “blitzkrieg,” acknowledging the physical and defensive prowess of the Lobos.

“They’re one of the most physical teams in the league and one of the best defensive teams in the league, and that’s creating all this offense for them,” Rice said during a media availability ahead of the rematch.

The Lobos come into the game riding an eight-game winning streak and currently lead the Mountain West Conference with a record of 22-4 overall and 14-1 in league play. The Broncos, at 17-8 with a 9-5 conference record, are looking to bounce back from a recent 64-47 loss to San Diego State, which has left them fifth in the MWC standings.

Boise State’s performance has dipped in recent games, leading to uncertainty about their NCAA tournament prospects. “To return to the bubble, Boise State must defeat MWC-leading New Mexico,” noted sports analysts, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming matchup.

In the past game against San Diego State, the Broncos struggled offensively, shooting only 34.5 percent from the field and committing 14 turnovers. “Credit to San Diego State,” Rice stated after the loss. “They shut off our water.” The Aztecs’ defense was especially formidable, recording 10 blocks throughout the game.

As the Broncos prepare for the Lobos, maintaining consistency in offense and defense is critical. Rice emphasized the importance of rebounding and a strong defensive effort to compensate for potential off nights offensively. “Sometimes you do have those off nights… but you can put yourself in a position to win on those nights,” he said.

Point guard Alvaro Cardenas is also calling for strong support from the home crowd. “We need ExtraMile to be packed, for our fans to come, for our students to pack out the student section. It really, really makes a difference,” he remarked.

With six games remaining in the regular season, every contest is essential for Boise State as they look to improve their ranking and secure a place in the NCAA Tournament. The pressure is mounting, and a victory against New Mexico could bolster their chances significantly.