Boise State Upsets New Mexico, Secures Spot in Mountain West Championship

LAS VEGAS, NV — Boise State University stunned top-seeded New Mexico, 72-69, in the Mountain West Conference Tournament semifinals on March 14, 2025, to secure a spot in the championship game.

Led by senior forward Tyson Degenhart, who scored 22 points, the No. 5 seed Broncos upset the Lobos, who had entered the game with a 26-7 record. Degenhart not only led his team in scoring but also became Boise State’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Tanoka Beard with a career total of 1,949 points.

“I just want to thank my teammates and coaches for trusting me,” Degenhart said after the game. “It feels great to achieve this milestone, but the focus now is on the championship.”

Boise State’s victory came after they trailed 34-28 at halftime. The Broncos rallied in the second half, outscoring the Lobos by nine points, bolstered by a strong performance from sophomore Emmanuel Ugbo, who contributed 17 points coming off the bench.

The Lobos struggled to maintain their lead during the final stretch. Mountain West Player of the Year Donovan Dent finished the game with 23 points but missed a crucial three-pointer that could have tied the game at the buzzer.

In a balanced offensive attack, Andrew Meadow added 16 points for Boise State, including a pivotal three-pointer with 48 seconds left that shifted the momentum.

“We battled hard and executed down the stretch,” Meadow said. “It was a complete team effort, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

Boise State’s win extends their current winning streak to six games. Their championship matchup is set against No. 2 Colorado State, who advanced by defeating No. 3 Utah State, 83-72. That game will take place on March 15 at 4 p.m. MT.

Colorado State’s Nique Clifford produced a standout performance in their semifinal, scoring 26 points and securing 11 rebounds. The Rams had previously defeated the Broncos in both regular-season meetings this year, adding an additional layer of rivalry to the upcoming title game.

Coach Richard Pitino of New Mexico reflected on the game, highlighting the disappointment but also acknowledging the strength of Boise State’s performance.

“They pulled away with some crucial plays towards the end,” Pitino said. “I’m rooting for them now. They deserve it.”

The Lobos, previously viewed as safe entrants for the NCAA tournament, now find their postseason aspirations uncertain after Friday’s loss. Despite the defeat, analysts believe the team will still earn a spot, likely as an 8 or 9 seed, when the NCAA field is announced.

With Boise State aiming to capture their first championship title since 2022, the stage is set for an exciting rematch against Colorado State. The teams’ history this season adds context and intensity to what promises to be a thrilling championship final.