In a stunning upset, the No. 5 seed Boise State Broncos defeated the top-seeded New Mexico Lobos 72-69 in the Mountain West Conference Tournament semifinals, with Tyson Degenhart leading the charge with 22 points. The victory was sealed by Andrew Meadow's clutch 3-pointer with just 46 seconds remaining, solidifying the Broncos' path to victory.
Degenhart's impressive performance included shooting 8 for 14 from the field and adding four of six from the free-throw line. Emmanuel Ugbo also played a pivotal role, contributing 17 points, five rebounds, and three blocks. Meadow, who finished with 16 points, proved instrumental in securing the win for the Broncos.
As the game unfolded, Donovan Dent led the charge for the Lobos with 23 points and five assists, supported by Nelly Junior Joseph's 19 points and eight rebounds. Despite New Mexico's strong efforts, Boise State's resilience and determination ultimately secured their sixth consecutive win.
Boise State faced a halftime deficit of 34-28 but rallied in the second half, outscoring New Mexico by nine points. Degenhart's early contributions, including nine points in the first half, set the stage for the Broncos' impressive comeback. Additionally, Ugbo's standout performance in the second half further propelled Boise State towards victory.
The nail-biting conclusion saw Meadow's pivotal moments on the court, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion during critical junctures. His game-changing shots and contributions were instrumental in the Broncos' triumph over the Lobos.
Broncos head coach Leon Rice praised the team's resilience and highlighted the importance of players stepping up in crucial moments. Meadow's heroics, combined with Ugbo's stellar performance off the bench, underscored Boise State's depth and determination throughout the game.
The victory over New Mexico sets up Boise State for a historic second-ever trip to the MW championship game, where they will face either No. 2 Colorado State or No. 3 Utah State. Rice emphasized the team's readiness for the challenge, citing their ability to overcome adversity as a key factor in their success.
The Broncos' collective effort and unwavering spirit were on full display in their triumph over the Lobos, a testament to their resilience and competitive drive. As they gear up for the championship game, Boise State stands poised to continue their impressive postseason run, fueled by a strong team dynamic and a relentless pursuit of victory.
Overall, the Broncos' victory against New Mexico exemplified their ability to perform under pressure and rise to the occasion when it matters most. With a blend of talent, determination, and composure, Boise State proved their mettle on the court and set the stage for a thrilling championship showdown in the Mountain West Conference Tournament.
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