Boise State Shocks New Mexico in Semifinal Thriller
In a thrilling game that took place on March 14, 2025, the Boise State Broncos shocked the New Mexico Lobos with a 72-69 victory in the Mountain West Championship Semifinal. This upset has secured their spot in the Mountain West title game, defying pre-game predictions and the odds.
The match was held at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, where the Broncos, led by Tyson Degenhart’s stellar performance, were able to upset the top-seeded Lobos in a game that had viewers on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. The result was unexpected, considering the performance of both teams during the regular season in the Mountain West Conference, where New Mexico finished with a 17-3 Conference record, and Boise State with a 14-6.
Boise State entered the game as the underdogs, but they soon proved that they could take on the Mountain West’s top seed. Tyson Degenhart, the No. 5 seed player, led the Broncos with 22 points, including two 3-pointers. His performance was complimented by Emmanuel Ugbo and Andrew Meadow. Ugbo, who scored 17 points and added five rebounds and three blocks, had an especially strong second half. Meadow, on the other hand, sealed the victory with a crucial 3-pointer, leaving only 46 seconds on the clock.
Degenhart’s shooting prowess was evident throughout the game. He shot 8 for 14 from the field and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line, making key contributions to the Broncos’ success. Despite trailing 34-28 at halftime, the Broncos rallied in the second half, outscoring the Lobos by nine points to secure the win.
On the other side of the court, New Mexico’s Donovan Dent finished with an impressive 23 points and five assists. Nelly Junior Joseph and Mustapha Amzil also contributed significantly to the Lobos’ performance, with Joseph adding 19 points, eight rebounds, and two steals, and Amzil securing 10 points and six rebounds.
This victory extends Boise State’s winning streak to six games and brings them one step closer to the Mountain West title. The win has also raised questions about the Broncos’ potential entry into March Madness, with Selection Sunday just a day away.
Boise State’s upset over New Mexico is a testament to the unpredictability of college basketball. Despite the odds and the Lobos’ top seeding in the Mountain West Conference, the Broncos were able to pull off a shock win, reminding everyone that in the game of basketball, it’s not over until the last second ticks away.
For Boise State, this victory is a significant milestone. It shows that they have the ability to compete with top-seeded teams and can perform under pressure. As they prepare to compete in the Mountain West title game, they will undoubtedly carry this momentum and the confidence gained from this win.
In conclusion, Boise State’s victory over New Mexico in the Mountain West Championship Semifinal was a thrilling spectacle of college basketball. With their strong performance and upset over the top-seeded team, the Broncos have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Mountain West Conference. As they advance to the title game, college basketball fans everywhere will be eagerly awaiting their next performance.