Tag: Boise State Basketball

2024 NCAA Tournament: Boise State Basketball-A First Look at the Colorado Buffaloes

2024 NCAA Tournament: Boise State Basketball-A First Look at the Colorado Buffaloes Who are the Buffaloes? Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Boise State draws First Four matchup in Dayton against Pac-12 foe Colorado. The Mountain West …

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2024 NCAA Tournament: Boise State Basketball-A First Look at the Colorado Buffaloes

Who are the Buffaloes?

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Boise State draws First Four matchup in Dayton against Pac-12 foe Colorado.

The Mountain West Conference received a record setting six bids to the NCAA Tournament on Selection Sunday. Though after hammering each other twice a week, every week since January. The six teams that had their tickets punched, were given what many consider to be lower than deserved seeds.

For a conference that KenPom.com ($) has ranked as the seventh best in the entire country. With an extremely comfy margin between their Adjusted Efficiency ranking of +10.39 & the next best’s, the Atlantic 10 at +5.13. Even giving the Pac-12 a run for their money and their number 6th ranking of +10.94. Never the less, one of the Mountain West’s bigger seeding causalities on Selection Sunday was the Boise State Broncos.

After Leon Rice led his team to a second place tie with Nevada and a 22-10 (13-5, 2nd in the MWC) regular season record, top-30 NET Ranking (w/six Quad 1 wins) & a top-40 KenPom ranking.

It’s very frustrating, as the Broncos now have to earn their spot in the Field of 64. In a battle for the No. 10 seed against the Colorado Buffaloes, scheduled for Wednesday March 20th, in Dayton, OH with a 5:10 PM MT tip-off. The winner of that First Four contest goes on to face the Florida Gators as the No. 7 seed in the South region.

Who Are The Buffaloes

The Colorado Buffaloes have an extremely long history as members of the Big 12, dating all the way back to post-World War II, when the conference was known as the Big 7.

Possibly known for their gridiron dominance from the early eighties to mid-nineties under all-time great Buffaloes coach Bill McCartney. Who led them to nine bowl appearances in 13 seasons, not to mention the schools lone football National Championship in 1990.

On the hardwood though, Colorado hasn’t made a deep run since before the end of the Vietnam Conflict. Since, the program has seen five different head coaches come and gone.

With only two NCAA Tournament appearances to show for it, in over four decades. To say the program was a bit of an after thought in the Big 8 as well as out West is an understatement. But change was coming in Boulder, plenty of it.

As an announced move to what was then known as the Pac-10 was made public in 2010. The move also brought the program’s winningest head coach with them, in first year head man Tad Boyle.

Coach

Boyle took over at Colorado in their last season in the Big 12. Taking over from former NBA Head Coach Jeff Bzdelik, who left when he accepted his “dream job” at Wake Forrest in 2010.

Boyle had just led his hometown Northern Colorado Bears to a second place finish in the Big Sky behind a Damian Lillard led Weber State team. A mark celebrated after aiding Northern Colorado in their transition to the D-I ranks, beginning with a 4-24 season just three seasons prior.

After arriving in Boulder in 2010, he led the Buffaloes to a 5th place finish in their final season in the Big 12, their best in five years. He would then lead them to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. For a grand total of six in fourteen seasons.

Their most recent trip coming in 2021, as a No. 5 seed, their highest in the tournament’s most modern iteration. A trip that is something fans in Boulder are coming to expect out of their basketball program. As they should, with a coach like Boyle in charge. With his local ties to the area, it’s easy to buy in to what the Buffaloes are selling every season.

Star Players

Jr. G-KJ Simpson (6’2, 190)

Stats: 19.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.9 APG & 1.6 SPG in 34 Games, 34 Starts

Sr. F-Tristan Da Silva (6’9, 220)

Stats: 15.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.4 APG & 1.1 SPG in 31 Games, 31 Starts

Fr. F-Cody Williams (6’8, 190)

Stats: 12.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG & 1.7 APG in 21 Games, 18 Starts

How Did They Get Here

Colorado was brought into the Pac-12 promise lands by Boyle almost immediately. But with conference realignment charged turmoil surrounding their home last year with the departures of UCLA, USC, Oregon & Washington to the Big Ten starting the summer of 2024, the Buffaloes had to act. Announcing a move back to the Big 12 last July, Tad Boyle will now be tasked with a move back to the conference where he cut his high major teeth in. So enjoying their last ride in the Pac-12 as fans everywhere know it, they went to work.

Using a strong yet short, 9-2 run through non-conference play with a pair of impressive wins over Richmond & Miami (FL) to prepare for their last run at a Pac-12 title. The ensuing 20-game conference slate would prove challenging.

As the Buffaloes battled their way to a 3rd place finish & 24-10 (13-7, 3rd in Pac-12) regular season record while earning the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament in Las Vegas.

Colorado earned a opening round bye & was slated to take on No. 6 seeded Utah in the quarterfinals on Thursday. They had split the regular season series with the Utes, but managed to post a solid 72-58 win over their conference foes to advance to the semifinals. Thanks to a great scoring performance from their trio of KJ Simpson, Eddie Lampkin Jr. & Tristan da Silva.

Next came Washington State on Friday, another team whom they had split their conference series with. The Cougars though, proved to be a formidable opponent for the Buffaloes. As Tad Boyle’s group narrowly advanced with a 58-52 win over Washington State, thanks again to an offensive effort spearheaded by Simpson with a game high 16 points.

That took them all the way to the championship game on Saturday night, against No. 4 seed Oregon. A game lost in the post, in part due to a flawless performance from Oregon big man N’Faly Dante who had 25 points off of 12-12 shooting from the floor.

With that Colorado was sent home without any hardware, though their fate as an at-large bid might have just been sealed in Vegas. As the Buffaloes were announced as a First Four selection on Sunday, pegged to due battle for a spot in the Field of 64 against a Cinderella-esque Bronco team on Wednesday.

Biggest Wins

Thursday January 18th, Home vs. Oregon 86-70

Saturday February 24th, Home vs. Utah 89-65

Friday March 15th, Neutral vs. Washington State 58-52

The Metrics

NET Ranking:  25th

KenPom:  26th

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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Boise State Secures 82-50 Home Win Over San Jose State

Game Recap: Boise State 82, San Jose State 50 Boise State Secures 82-50 Home Win Over San Jose State Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire The Broncos take care of business in lopsided 32-point win over Spartans. The conference title race is as …

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 Game Recap: Boise State 82, San Jose State 50

Boise State Secures 82-50 Home Win Over San Jose State

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

The Broncos take care of business in lopsided 32-point win over Spartans.

The conference title race is as close as it’s ever been. With only four games left in the regular season on average, losing for teams who currently find themselves in the top-half of the standings could be a death sentence for their at-large hopes.

So, as what could be the game that decides that aforementioned title race come a few weeks from now taking place about 292 miles southeast of the ExtraMile Arena. Those hoping Boise State would have a hiccup against San Jose State on Tuesday night were watching. A tall task given the Broncos are were 21-0 against the Spartans in Boise heading into this one. While those hoping they tightened their hold on a top-3 conference finish with a blow out win were too.

Either way, somebody was going to end their night disappointed and Leon Rice’s group was on a mission to keep those sentiments outside of Boise.

The last time these two programs met in San Jose earlier this year the Spartan’s gave Boise State quite a scare. Behind a 30 point outing from MJ Amey Jr., Tim Mile’s group had the Broncos on the ropes heading into halftime. Down 40-33, their visitors went on to outscore them 45-29 to secure the 78-69 victory. Tuesday night’s matchup had a different feel entirely.

Even though the Broncos were double-digit favorites coming into this one, that didn’t mean the Spartans weren’t going to come out swinging. A Trey Anderson three opened things up for San Jose State. While back to back Tyson Degenhart layups gave the Broncos their first lead of the game at 4-3.

After a Myron Amey Jr. layup put Tim Miles’ group back on top. That would be the last time they held the lead for the rest of the game. An ensuing 7-4 run kept the home squad out front.

Boise State began to break away with a 6-0 run, Trey Anderson would respond with a jumper of his own. That would be the last time the Spartans would score over the next six minutes. The Broncos went on a 17-2 run over that next six minutes of play. Which really decimated what little momentum the Spartans had before a Tibet Gorener three pointer ended their scoring drought.

As impressive as that sounds, it wouldn’t end there. It would only be a part of a larger 24-3 run. Everyone showed out offensively for the Broncos. The seldom played freshman RJ Keene threw his name in the mix with five straight points of his own in just six minutes of play.

For the Spartans the shooting nightmare couldn’t come sooner. As they found themselves down by twenty points (33-13) with 2:51 left to go in the half. Amey Jr. would put a single point on the scoreboard after going 1-2 from the charity stripe, but his squad could not make a field goal no matter where they tried on the floor.

Boise State wouldn’t pile it on much more after that. Heading into halftime up 38-16 over their visitors. San Jose State didn’t attempt a single free throw until the final three minutes of the half. They also shot a horrid 6-27 (22.2%) from the floor, mostly in part due to their shot selection. Taking a whopping 14 three pointers, which was 51% of their total shots.

Even though it wasn’t one of the most efficient offensive performances ever. Boise State didn’t need anything remotely close to efficient to display their dominance. Shooting 52% from the floor, finding most of their success inside the arc (10-16, 62.5%).

Leading the charge for the Broncos in the first half was Tyson Degenhart with 9 points (2-3 FGs, 5-6 FTs). With O’Mar Stanley not far behind him with 8 points of his own to go along with 6 rebounds. Leon Rice had eight different players score a field goal in the first twenty minutes.

The Broncos didn’t take their foot off the gas as they emerged from halftime either. A quick 5-0 run felt like a replay of the first-half until the Spartans responded with a quick 5-0 run of their own. Both sides would go on to treat fans inside ExtraMile Arena to a three point barrage I’ve rarely seen in college basketball. As San Jose State would shoot 2-3 from deep as the Broncos answered. Making three of their next four attempts in that same time.

Even as the Spartans found some offensive rhythm, Boise State stayed hot enough to effectively make that run irrelevant to the overall score. Both squads began to cool off after that, with a few field goals on both sides to keep the scoreboard operator involved.

Boise State found themselves up 57-32 heading into a media timeout with 11:57 left in the game. A quick 5-0 run capped by yet another Tibet Gorener three pointer shrunk the lead back to twenty points. O’Mar Stanley would make a second chance layup off of an offensive board on the other end, his 3rd of the game. That sparked a 7-0 run only to be muddled with an extracurricular tie up after the whistle.

That resulted in a double technical and saw two players on each side dealt technical fouls (which canceled each other out). Myron Amey Jr. would end another San Jose State scoring drought with a made field goal & 1 free throw within about thirty seconds of play.

As both coaches began to utilize their bench with a little less than five minutes to go, Roddie Anderson III received an and one to put Boise State up 70-45. Each side would continue to exchange a few buckets as the Broncos would let time expire to secure their 82-50 win at home.

“Obviously it’s good for metrics but you can’t take these kinds of wins for granted in the Mountain West,” said Chibuzo Agbo. “Really good teams can still lose these kinds of games on any given night in this conference so it felt good to get it done.”

San Jose State looked like a JV team in the first-half, which couldn’t be overcome. No matter how much more impressive their 34 point second half was. They ended the night having shot 10-28 (35.7%) from deep, thanks in part to Myron Amey Jr. (3-7 3FGs) & Tibet Gorener (4-9 3FGs, 12 points).

Boise State on the other hand had a very efficient & well rounded offensive night. Shooting 29-54 (53.7%) from the floor & 10-25 (40%) from three-point range & 14-17 (82.4%) from the charity stripe.

All night it was a team effort, with ten different Bronco’s seeing time on the floor & all scoring at least one field goal. Four starters posted double-figures, in Stanley (10 points), Agbo (14 points), Rice (14 points) & Degenhart (15 points).

As impressive of a night it was for Leon Rice’s group offensively, they did just as good of a job defensively. Forcing 14 turnovers, logging 7 steals as a team & only sending the Spartans to the line 5 times total. Not to mention playing a part in San Jose State only having five players score a point.

Player Spotlights

Boise State F-Tyson Degenhart

Stat line: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals & 4 assists on 4-9 shooting (44.4%) from the floor & 7-8 (87.2%) from the line in 30 minutes of action

Boise State’s 32-point point win on Tuesday night was definitely a team effort. And I don’t think Degenhart’s 15 points would have necessarily been the line between win or loss. But he turned in a fine performance nonetheless and should be highlighted for it.

He had his way offensively down low against San Jose State. And was a part of a frontcourt defensive effort that made the paint a no go zone for Spartans all night.

San Jose State G–Myron Amey Jr.

Stat line: 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals & 2 blocks on 8-15 shooting (53.3%) from the floor & 3-7 (42.8%) from the line in 32 minutes of action

Amey Jr. has been a reliable scoring threat for Tim Miles and Co all season. Taking the leap many onlookers of the conference thought he was capable of and tasked with replacing former MWC POY Omari Moore. Even though the Spartans have fallen down the conference standings this season, Amey Jr.’s offensive production isn’t the reason why.

His 21 point performance Tuesday night was his 23rd double-digit outing this season & his 8th 20+ point performance of the season. Amey Jr. also made his impact on the other side the ball as well, forcing five recordable turnovers & being involved in plenty of others.

Two Takeaways:

  • San Jose State is obviously at the tail end of a rebuilding year. The Spartans are without their best frontcourt player in Robert Vaihola, who could have provided a scoring presence in the paint. And have relied on plenty of freshman & a few transfers to make meaningful impacts in their first season’s in San Jose. The ceiling for this team at the moment is snagging a win (or two) in their final remaining four games of the season. In hopes of building some winning momentum before the conference tournament in Las Vegas.
  • Boise State were the favorites by far coming into this home matchup against a program from the Mountain West’s cellar at the moment. Yes, any team can win any given night still. So team’s need to stay focused & execute in very winnable games like this. The Broncos did just that and in doing so, sit alone in second place in the conference just 0.5 games behind league leader Utah State.

Next Up:

The Broncos begin a two game road trip on Saturday against a sneakily dangerous Wyoming team in Laramie. The Cowboys have done their share of giant slaying this conference season, so Boise State shouldn’t take them lightly, especially inside the Arena-Auditorium.

That game tips off at 5:30 PM MT on February 24th and can be seen on the Mountain West Network.

While the Spartans head back home to prepare to host San Diego State on Friday February 23rd. The Aztecs are coming off of a tough loss to league leaders Utah State Tuesday night but are one of the always dangerous Mountain West teams year in & year out.

That game tips off at 7:00 PM PST and can be seen on FS1 as the lone Mountain West game of the night.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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No. 19 New Mexico Fall To Boise State 86-78 Inside the Pit

Game Recap: Boise State 86, No. 19 New Mexico 78 New Mexico receives first home loss of the season to Broncos. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Boise State travels to Albuquerque to hand No. 19 New Mexico their first home loss of the season. …

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 Game Recap: Boise State 86, No. 19 New Mexico 78

New Mexico receives first home loss of the season to Broncos.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Boise State travels to Albuquerque to hand No. 19 New Mexico their first home loss of the season.

Albuquerque, NM–The Mountain West has turned into the bridge between high major and mid-major basketball. With the conference consistently ranked just behind or inside the coveted six high major conferences on KenPom.com in recent years.

With that jump in metric respect comes what fans and media around the conference like to call, the Mountain West Gauntlet. In short, it means that any team on any given night could fall. And taking a brief look the conference season thus far is all the proof you’ll need.

But, that high stakes basketball certainly gives way to entertaining and must watch action around the conference week in and week out. Take Tuesday night’s late night clash between the No. 19 New Mexico Lobos & Boise State Broncos.

Both squads were not immune to that aforementioned gauntlet as conference play begun. Richard Pitino’s Lobos began with a 1-2 record while Leon Rice’s Broncos have some high quality wins to go along with some less than stellar losses.

The Broncos have won four times inside the Pit, most recently back in 2022. But maybe more interesting, the last time Boise State faced a ranked New Mexico team in the Pit was back in 2013. Yes Leon Rice was the coach back then as well, so he’s familiar with the territory more than most.

Though with the Lobos coming into this match ready to defend an undefeated record on their home court and being renowned as one of the hottest teams in the country, fans were in for a treat.

The Lobos opened things up like they have done all January, with high energy, hustle & a zoned in focus. That gave them an early 10-2 lead over the Broncos and warranted a timeout from Leon Rice. Boise State responded with five straight points out of that timeout to silence the Pit crowd for just a moment.

The Broncos used that momentum to trade buckets with their hosts for the next five minutes or so. Mustapha Amzil came off of the bench with some instant offense.

With Coach Rice’s group making the adjustment to battle with their hosts down low where they have a deep array of bigs to choose from. It worked as the Broncos took their first lead of the game in the 9:49 minute mark with a Jace Whiting layup in a wide open lane.

They would go on a 6-0 run to further extend their lead in a ever so quiet Pit. The Broncos would shoot just 3-10 from deep but 8-10 down low during that stretch.

A Donovan Dent three pointer reignited the Lobo offense and cut the deficit down to one with just over five minutes of play in the half. Both squads would once again trade buckets to finish out the half. To the tune of a 41-38 Bronco lead. Thanks to their solid interior offense in the middle of the half and Max Rice’s three pointers.

The second-half began in similar fashion. A Broncos squad that was looking to do battle in the paint. The Lobos regained the lead just two minutes into the second half, going up 45-43 after a JT Toppin three pointer.

Both sides would continue to exchange buckets, in three point form, layups and free throws. The offense was everywhere on both sides and these two programs looked like one of the more even matchups in the Mountain West.

The Broncos were reluctant to give up their lead and found necessary buckets to maintain it. The only problem, Donovan Dent. The Lobo sophomore had his way with both Roddie Anderson III & Jace Whiting. Making drive after drive to keep the Lobos winning hopes alive.

Jamal Mashburn Jr. came off the bench to give Dent a much needed breather. And right off of the bench he sank a game tying three pointer to make things even at 67 a piece with about seven minutes on the game clock.

The Broncos answered with a Max Rice three and O’Mar Stanley field goal to regain their lead. A formula that treated them well all night. It continued to work all the way until the final buzzer.

It was the Lobos first loss inside the storied Pit this season. One fans and media alike saw coming eventually, but it still hurts regardless of the mental preparation. Boise State gave Leon Rice his fifth win inside the Pit during his tenure.

“Max Rice just continues to hurt us, O’Mar Stanley was such a great addition from the portal for them.” mentioned Richard Pitino “We got six days off until Wyoming, so we have to rebound & learn from this.”

Player Spotlights

Boise State G–Max Rice

Stat line: 35 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals on 12-20 shooting from the floor, including 7-14 (50%) from deep in 38 minutes on the floor

Rice gave Boise State their advantage in the first half with his three point shooting. Posting 11 points on 4-8 shooting (3-7 from deep). It wasn’t pretty but it was a difference maker. He continued to do the same in the second half. While even taking his game inside with his mismatched defenders on his hip and scoring in the process.

Max Rice was fun to watch, hitting threes, dishing to bigs and making cuts when those bigs got in trouble. The rest of his Boise State teammates had their woes but when your hand is as hot as Rice’s was, that doesn’t matter. His 35 points were a new career high, his previous of 30 points was also against the Lobos in Boise.

New Mexico G-Donovan Dent

Stat line: 31 points, 2 assists on 12-18 from the floor in 36 minutes on the floor

Jaelen House went to the bench early with 2 fouls, 2 points & no field goals early. Mashburn Jr. wasn’t his usual self either with a little too much size defensively for Boise State. So, in comes Donovan Dent.

With fearless drives filled with acrobatic plays, speed & strength. Which paired well with his confidence and play making abilities for others. Without him Leon Rice’s group would have had double-digit lead going into half-time.

Dent had an absolute showing in the second-half. Scoring 18 points off of 7-9 shooting, all two point field goals by the way. Cutting through the Boise State defense like butter. Dent’s 31 points were his new career high.

Three Takeaways

  • These games are necessary to experience in order to build a championship team and NCAA Tournament team. New Mexico realized that tonight. That sometimes the other teams size will be a factor and shots won’t fall for you. But that’s when your stars need to step up or relinquish that title.
  • This was the first game I’ve seen an opponent take the Lobos out of their game. They usually, force turnovers, score in transition & play tough defense. Either on the interior or perimeter, not always at the same time. Boise State did their job by taking them out of this style of play early. Not to mention the points lacking from their normal group of scorers and contributors. You can’t win when House goes 1-15 from the floor, that’s not all on him, but that usually spells doom.
  • Boise State came into the Pit and luckily had Max Rice with them on the flight over. The other broncos played key roles but Rice had one of the hottest hands I’ve seen in the Pit in recent memory. They’ll head home with a quality win in one of the toughest places to do so in the country. I can’t say much more about their performance than, good job Max Rice. Let’s hope he can keep that rhythm for the remainder of conference play. If so, the Broncos have found their go to scorer and are that much more dangerous.
  • I wanted to add a surprise 4th takeaway for those who have made it this far. Anyone can win, any given night.

Next Up:

The Lobos take the time to get right and take the weekend off before their next game. New Mexico hasn’t had a one game week so far this season and after such a hot turnaround beginning in January, it’s much needed.

After that, they’ll head on the road to face an always problematic Wyoming Cowboys squad in Laramie. That contest tips off at 6:30 PM MT on Tuesday February 6th and can be seen on the Mountain West Network.

The Broncos return home with a quality win to host a dangerous Air Force team on Saturday. One with plenty of scorers capable of master mining the upset.

Every game counts in this year’s edition of the Mountain West, so a home game against a bottom-half conference foe is a must win for Leon Rice. That game tips off on Saturday February 3rd at 2:00 PM MT and can be watched on the Mountain West Network.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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MWC Basketball Quick Hitters: Saturday January 28th Results

MWC Basketball Quick Hitters: Saturday January 28th Results Wyoming steals the show with overtime win in rivalry game. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Boise State falls again, the Bulldogs climb the ladder, UNLV has a big 2nd-half & the …

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MWC Basketball Quick Hitters: Saturday January 28th Results

Wyoming steals the show with overtime win in rivalry game.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Boise State falls again, the Bulldogs climb the ladder, UNLV has a big 2nd-half & the Cowboys down the Rams in the border war, hardwood edition.

Conference action was in full swing Saturday night. Filled with rivalry upsets, overtime thrillers & plain ole Mountain West basketball. It seems as though fans of the conference are treated to something exciting every time I write these quick hitters, Saturday was no different.

As we approach the onset of February, the phrase “every game counts” should be plastered all over locker room walls throughout the Mountain West.

Wyoming 79, No. 24 Colorado State 76

The Wyoming Cowboys have become the living embodiment of what should be the conference’s official slogan “Any team, any night”. After treating fans to back-to-back wins inside Arena-Auditorium in the middle of January, Jeff Linder’s squad was ready for another conference win at home Saturday night.

Which was unlucky for the visiting No. 24 Colorado State Rams. Because for the fifth time this season, the Cowboys mounted a double-digit comeback to secure the win against their southern rivals.

Things were close throughout this game inside the Dome of Doom. So much so that this one couldn’t be decided in just two twenty minute halves. With the Cowboys down 11 points with just fifty-one seconds left, a 12-1 run capped by a game tying layup sent the game to overtime. From there the Cowboys were lifted to the OT win by Akuel Kot, who scored 11 of his 18 points after the regulation buzzer sounded.

Colorado State came to play with four Rams reaching double figures, including a double-double from Nique Clifford (13 points & 12 rebounds). The loss began Colorado State’s second two game losing streak in conference play. Not where Niko Medved’s group thought they would be a month ago, but there’s plenty of games to drag themselves out of their current mid-table place.

It was the first win over a top-25 team for Wyoming since 2018. Which also put them in third place in the conference. Behind a three-way tie for second place & league leaders Utah State.

No. 18 Utah State 90, Boise State 84

The Aggies traveled north to Boise hoping to return home with a resume boosting win and remain in first place in the Mountain West. While the Boise State Broncos were hoping for the home upset, which would have made them league leaders on Saturday afternoon.

Boise State fans showed out, giving both teams a sold out ExtraMile Arena to entertain. And it’s safe to say they didn’t disappoint. The name of the game was runs, some here by the Aggies followed by others from the Broncos. The two sides traded buckets, but it was Boise State who went into the half up 39-37. The second-half looked like much of the same, a 7-0 run by Boise State to open things up only to be followed up by a 11-1 Utah State run.

Leon Rice’s group nearly sealed the deal, up 75-72 with just 10 seconds left on the clock before an Ian Martinez coast to coast layup. That sent the game to overtime, like I said they didn’t dissapoint.

An 8-1 Aggie run to open things up in overtime may have been the nail in the coffin. As the Broncos were able to bring it to within two (84-82) with thirty-four seconds left in the game, but Utah State then went 6-6 from the charity stripe to seal the victory.

Danny Sprinkle’s group held strong and didn’t waiver in regulation. Utah State had five players reach double figures. Led by 19 points & 5 assists from Darius Brown II, helped along by a perfect night shooting from all places on the floor by Josh Uduje (18 points). Not to mention double-doubles from both members of their frontcourt, Great Osobor (14 points & 10 rebounds) & Isaac Johnson (13 points & 11 rebounds).

Boise State had a poor night from beyond the arc, which overshadowed two twenty point games from Tyson Degenhart (24 points) & O’Mar Stanley (20 points & 9 rebounds) down low.

The win as eluded to earlier gave the Aggies the sole possession of first place in the conference. Something many folks not named Danny Sprinkle likely didn’t expect back in November. For Boise State the loss slides them down into a three-way tie with No. 25 New Mexico and San Diego State.

There isn’t a giant need to panic just yet, but once the nations longest home win streak has been reduced to rubble twice this month. It’s safe to say adjustments are needed.

Fresno State 84, Air Force 70-MW Wire Article Link

Both Air Force & Fresno State are fighting an uphill battle out of the Mountain West cellar. Both squads were looking for their second conference win Saturday night, but only one could emerge victorious.

Joe Scott’s squad looked prime for a second conference road win on Saturday. As things were close in the first half, but the Falcons were in the driver seat. Thanks to some stellar 3-point shooting from the tip, knocking down four of their first six attempts. They amassed multiple five point leads before leading 43-40 as the half-time buzzer sounded.

The second-half began with much of the same. Buckets on both sides, including three-pointers aplenty. Both teams shot well from the floor, but maybe the more surprising stat was how well they shot from deep. As the Bulldogs & visiting Falcons knocked down 11-25 (44%) threes. But the Bulldogs late game defense, which held the Falcons to just one field goal before an 8-0 Fresno State run helped put send Air force home packing with yet another loss.

The Bulldogs received double-doubles from two of their starters Saturday. Longtime point guard Isaiah Hill posted 11 points & 10 assists and transfer big man Enoch Boakye led his team in scoring with 19 points while also grabbing 10 rebounds. Boakye had maybe his best game in a Bulldog uniform against the Falcons.

While Air Force received double-digits from their high scoring frontcourt of Rytis Petraitis (14 points, 5 rebounds & 5 assists) & a game high from Beau Becker (22 points, 4 rebounds shooting 4-8 from deep). The Falcons

With that win Fresno State got their second conference win & placed themselves just a little further away from last place in the conference. They may find themselves on the wrong side of the Mountain West standings. As the middle of the pack are potentially fighting for an NCAA Tournament berth (the league is just that good this year).

The road loss placed the Falcons in a tie for last place with San Jose State. A climb that seems as steep as Mt. Everest in this gauntlet of a conference.

UNLV 77, San Jose State 65

Tim Miles & his Spartans were hoping to end a two game homestand with a win before heading on the road to face league leaders No. 18 Utah State next week. But Kevin Kruger’s Runnin’ Rebels were hoping to end a two game losing streak before they returned to Sin City.

There was plenty on the line for both teams, but the win is heading east with UNLV tonight. As the Runnin’ Rebels couldn’t miss, shooting 68.2% from the floor & 46.6% from three-point range.

UNLV was propelled to victory by Keylan Boone who dropped a game high 18 points off of 7-10 shooting (70%). He was joined by freshman sensation Dedan Thomas Jr. who had another big night with 16 points on 5-9 shooting (2-4, from deep) to go along with 6 assists to just 1 turnover.

The Spartans could have kept the W in San Jose. But limited bench contributions put a damper on four different players logging double-digits and made a 7 point half-time lead disappear. As UNLV outscored their hosts 45-26 in the second-half. Myron Amey Jr. continues to enjoy his breakout season with 18 points, 5 rebounds & 3 assists while shooting 50% from the floor.

The loss put San Jose State in a tie for last place with the only team they’ve beat in conference play Air Force. For UNLV they find themselves still stuck in the middle of the pack in the conference standings. Not a bad place to be technically when you’re tied with nationally ranked No. 24 Colorado State.

Current MWC Standings

1-No. 18 Utah State 6-1, 18-2

2-Boise State 5-2, 14-6

2-San Diego State 5-2, 16-4

2-No. 25 New Mexico 5-2, 17-3

3-Wyoming 4-3, 11-9

4-Nevada 3-3, 16-4

5-No. 24 Colorado State 3-4, 15-5

5-UNLV 3-4, 10-9

6-Fresno State 2-5, 9-11

7-San Jose State 1-6, 8-12

7-Air Force 1-6, 8-11

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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MWC Basketball Quick Hitters: Tuesday January 23rd Results

MWC Basketball Quick Hitters: Tuesday January 23rd Results Boise State & San Diego State stay in title race with wins Tuesday night. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Boise State escapes upset in Fresno while UNLV & Wyoming receive …

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MWC Basketball Quick Hitters: Tuesday January 23rd Results

Boise State & San Diego State stay in title race with wins Tuesday night.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Boise State escapes upset in Fresno while UNLV & Wyoming receive shellackings Tuesday night.

Mountain West Action was a little light Tuesday night. But the close calls and double-digit blowouts were aplenty in the conference’s three late games of the night.

The turn of the year seemed like just yesterday. So on the eve of February and the midway point of conference play, every win counts. Even late night games featuring teams on opposite ends of the conference standings.

San Diego State 81, Wyoming 65

San Diego State is still one of the best teams in the entire country. Yes I know a couple of losses in non-conference & conference play hurt, but this group will still challenge for a Mountain West title come March.

While Wyoming has solid offensive weapons and is certainly capable of any Mountain West upset. That wasn’t the case Tuesday night, but the Cowboys gave Aztec fans a bit of a scare for the first twenty minutes of action at least.

The Aztecs and Cowboys started the night out inside Viejas Arena. With San Diego State taking the early 8-2 lead, their guests did their best to keep things close. Exchanging the lead fifteen times before the Aztecs took the 34-32 lead heading into half-time. The second half was where Brian Dutcher’s group took charge, only giving up the lead one more time before outscoring the Cowboys 39-24 to close out the game.

San Diego State was led by March Madness hero Lamont Butler, who dropped 23 points on 71% shooting (10-14). Joining him in double-digits was Darrion Trammell with 12 points off of the bench and another 17 points from All-American hopeful Jaedon LeDee.

The Cowboys were spunky but received very little help from their bench (2 points from Cam Manyawu). Jeff Linder did receive a stellar performance from star point guard Sam Griffin, who logged 22 points, 5 rebounds & 3 assists while shooting 50% from the field & 62.5% from deep (5-8). Wyoming also received 18 points from Mason Walters & 16 points from Akuel Kot, but it wasn’t enough.

Wyoming holds onto their mid-table place while going .500 in conference play with their loss in San Diego. While the Aztecs secure a much needed win if they hope to catch up to league leaders Boise State & No. 18 Utah State.

Boise State 72, Fresno State 68

Any game in the Mountain West is tough, it’s the narrative that holds true year in and year out, especially on the road. Leon Rice’s Broncos knew that heading into the Save Mart Center to face a struggling Fresno State team who were not looking to lose at home on Tuesday.

Things started off slow, with both teams exchanging buckets until the Broncos went on a run that gave them the edge for most of the first-half. Leading by as much as 13 points the multiple times before half-time, Boise State began to feel at ease with a double-digit lead heading into the break.

The second-half looked like it was going to be much of the same, as an O’Mar Stanley layup with twelve minutes left to go in the game put Boise State up 61-45 on their fading opponents.

But everyone knows it is not over until it’s over, especially a veteran coach like Leon Rice. That knowledge didn’t help his team though, as a Bulldog comeback sparked by senior guards Isaiah Hill & Donovan Yap led to a 23-11 run in the closing minutes.

It was inspiring nonetheless & a lesson to never count your opponent out for a Bronco team that is challenging for a conference title at the moment, but it was too little too late.

The Broncos were led by Chibuzo Agbo & Max Rice, who had 16 points a piece while shooting 44% from the floor on the night. Other performances of note include Big East transfer O’Mar Stanley who has been a major addition for Dave Rice’s Broncos this season. Stanley logged 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists & 2 blocks while shooting 71% from the floor & 2-2 from deep. With that the big man has gone 5-5 from three-point range over his last two games.

A big night off of the bench from Donovan Yap Jr. (17 points) kept the Bulldogs in this one. As the Las Vegas native scored double-digits off of the bench for the fourth straight game. Isaiah Hill has been a consistent contributor this season and chipped in 15 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds & 3 steals for this Fresno State team that appears to be fighting for scraps midway through the month of January.

There’s still plenty of time to dig their way out of the conference’s basement. As this close loss at home places them in a tie for last place with Air Force after an impressive victory for the Falcons in Las Vegas. While Boise State escaped with what you could argue was their second close call in a weeks time.

Boasting a top-30 ranked defense (per KenPom) but an offense that is far behind other title contenders this late into the season. The weapons are there but the chemistry hasn’t been at times for Boise State. A tough next five games will truly test their mental fortitude well into February.

Air Force 90, UNLV 58

The Runnin’ Rebels played host inside the Thomas & Mack Center to current Mountain West basement dweller Air Force. The Falcons, like any other conference foe this year can pull off the upset on any given night. With Joe Scott leading a sub par overall offense this season while at the same time boasting three different players averaging over fifteen points a game.

The Falcons looked every bit of that hidden offensive firepower I mentioned, taking an 8-2 lead to start the game and they never looked back. Heading into half-time with a fifteen point lead over UNLV & outscoring them 51-34  in the second-half to help secure the 32-point road victory in Sin City.

Air Force couldn’t miss, from anywhere Tuesday night. Logging an impressive 55.4% from the floor (31-56) while shooting a more impressive 50% (14-28) from beyond the arc.

There were five Falcons in double-digits when the final buzzer sounded, Beau Becker (14), Jeffery Mills (11), Ethan Taylor (22) and a season high from freshman Luke Kearney (16 points). Joining them was super sophomore Rytis Petraitis, who logged his first career triple-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds & 11 assists.

Kevin Kruger’s squad shot horribly from everywhere but the free throw line (17-23). Senior guard Justin Webster led his team with 14 points, followed by Juco transfer Rob Whaley Jr. who chipped in 11 points (his 4th straight game with 10+ points off the bench).

The Falcons secured their first conference win of the season and ended an 8-game winning streak. While UNLV slid just a tad from their place in the middle of the standings.

Current MWC Standings

1-No. 18 Utah State 5-1, 17-2

1-Boise State 5-1, 14-5

2-San Diego State 5-2, 16-4

3-No. 25 New Mexico 4-2, 16-3

4-No. 24 Colorado State 3-2, 15-3

5-Wyoming 3-3, 10-9

6-Nevada 2-3, 15-4

7-UNLV 2-4, 9-9

8-San Jose State 1-4, 8-10

9-Air Force 1-5, 8-11

9-Fresno State 1-5, 8-11

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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MWC Basketball Quick Hitters: Tuesday January 16th Results

Overtime in Colorado, A California Clash, the nation’s longest winning streak gone & the No. 16 Utah State gets first MWC loss.

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MWC Basketball Quick Hitters: Tuesday January 16th Results

The Lobos win over No. 16 Utah State may highlight a wonderful night of hoops in the Mountain West.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Overtime in Colorado, a California clash, the nation’s longest winning streak gone & No. 16 Utah State gets first MWC loss.

Mountain West Action was in full effect Tuesday night. Full of storylines, quad 1 wins & plain old conference fun. The conference has a chance, no matter how small at sending six teams to the big dance in a couple of months. It’s far fetched & sending 5 teams (last done in 2013) would be considered huge progress, but hope keeps fanbases alive this time of year right? And fans were treated to some pretty riveting games from the Rocky Mountains to the West Coast.

Even as wins for some can be considered resume boosting & losses for others considered resume blotches this time of year. The Mountain West is a gauntlet & if you hope to survive, you bring your A game.

Colorado State 78, Air Force 69

In-state matchups seemed to be all the rage in the Mountain West on Tuesday night. As a struggling Colorado State team who was coming off of two straight losses after having one of the more impressive non-conference performances welcomed southern conference foes Air Force.

The Falcons like have elevated their competitiveness under Joe Scott. With three players averaging 15+ points a game & having all-conference caliber seasons. But they’ve done so in a Mountain West that has elevated it’s competitiveness as a whole.

Tuesday night inside Moby arena was yet another testament to how tough the Mountain West is year in and year out it seems. As the Rams were likely looking forward to sleeping in their own beds tonight after a two game road trip. But the Falcons forced Colorado State into overtime on their home court. Though, Niko Medved’s group managed to dominate their opponent in overtime (14-5). Giving them the 78-69 victory, no matter how ugly it was.

Joe Scott’s team shot an impressive 10-22 (45%) from beyond the arc, led by Ethan Taylor (18 points, 5-11 3FG) & Beau Becker (18 points, 4-8 3FG). With Colorado State nearly matching them with 10-24 (41%) but the x-factor as proclaimed by his Head Coach, being Joe Palmer off of the bench with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, a key block & shooting 3-6 from deep.

Fresno State 85, San Jose State 82 (Click For Recap)

The Bulldogs & Spartans may find themselves towards the bottom of one of the more competitive Mountain West Conferences in recent memory. But it doesn’t mean they can’t treat the fans inside the Save Mart Center to a fun in-state clash on a Tuesday night right?

Tim Miles continues to make the Spartans a respectable & competitive team in year three in the Bay Area. While now sixth year Bulldog Head Coach Justin Hutson still seeks stability in the Central Valley. As they met on the court neither squad backed down on Tuesday night.

Instead they kept things close & an Isaiah Hill buzzer beater was needed to seal the deal, giving Fresno State’s their first conference win of the year. A 30-point night from Tibet Gorener wasn’t enough to lift his team to the win on the road, even if he made 7-9 3-pointers. On the other side of the court, super senior Isaiah Hill’s 24 points, 9 assists with no turnovers & 5-8 three pointers gave himself a new season high in scoring & his team a much needed win.

UNLV 68, Boise State 64

The Runnin’ Rebels walked into the fortress known as ExtraMile Arena in Boise. The Broncos have managed to turn their home court into a topic of discussion by national media. The largest winning streak in the nation, twenty-two games at home was on the line for Boise State. For UNLV it was another chance to prove how tough this conference truly is.

Kevin Kruger’s group did their job, taking an undefeated (in conference play) Boise State team down to the wire to put an end to that Bronco fairytale. Twenty-four points from Tyson Degenhart wasn’t enough to keep the W in Boise. Leon Rice’s team needs to stay focused & avoid a dip in conference play, like others have done this far. Tuesday night may be the wake up call they need before they face San Diego State on Saturday on national television.

While UNLV was led by junior college transfer Robert Whaley Jr., who has taken some time to acclimate to the D-I game. Maybe he’s acclimated, as Whaley Jr. dropped 18 points on 8-11 shooting tonight. The Runnin’ Rebels have taken some tough losses thus far and handed them out jus the same. Don’t worry about their place in the current standings just yet, with plenty of basketball to still be played & weapons galore.

New Mexico 99, No. 16 Utah State

The Lobos looked like the team media all across the country were high on to in the preseason Tuesday night. Handing No. 16 Utah State their first conference loss and ending a seven game losing streak to the Aggies in the process. Danny Sprinkle’s group never gave up and had 5 players in double figures by the nights end.

As I said on Twi..whoops I mean X, Utah State didn’t have a bad game, far from it. The Lobos simply had a better one in front of 13,000 fans on a Tuesday night for a 8:45 PM tip-off. New Mexico had 6 players in double figures & were led by a double-double from Donovan Dent (15 points & 14 assists, just 1 turnover) & a breakout performance from Nelly Junior-Joseph (26 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 steals on 91% shooting from the floor).

Ian Martinez had a huge second-half, which included 14 points & a 11-0 run of consecutive made three pointers & an acrobatic layup to shrink what had turned into a 20-point Lobo lead with more than half of the game left to play. If not for him, a respectable 13-point loss inside one of the toughest opposing arenas to walk into in the country, could have turned into a nationally televised blowout.

Current MWC Standings

1-No. 16 Utah State 4-1, 16-2

2-Boise State 3-1, 12-5

3-San Diego State 3-1 14-3

4-New Mexico 3-2, 15-3

5-Nevada 2-1, 15-2

6-Wyoming 2-2, 9-8

7-Colorado State 2-2, 13-3

8-UNLV 2-2, 9-7

9-Fresno State 1-3, 8-9

10-San Jose State 1-4, 8-10

11-Air Force 0-4, 7-9

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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SJSU basketball must find a solution to late-game collapses ASAP

SJSU basketball must find a solution to late-game collapses ASAP.

A sense of urgency must arise

SJSU basketball must find a solution to late-game collapses ASAP

Follow @Mattweiner20 & @MWCwire

An improvement must happen


Let’s get it out of the way now: the 2023-24 SJSU men’s basketball squad isn’t bad. 

If it was, there’s little chance it would boast wins over UC Irvine (No. 72 in NET) and Santa Clara (No. 108 in NET). Although for the sake of SJSU fans’ sanity, maybe it would be easier if it was bad. 

By languishing in that frustrating space of promising but unreliable and good but not good enough, fans have been subjected to watching several late-game collapses. 

“More than anything I want them [SJSU players] to know they’re capable of winning these games and they’re this close,” SJSU head coach Tim Miles said, showing an inch wide margin between his index finger and thumb following Friday night’s loss to Boise State. 

Inside of that narrow margin is the ability to not squander a 17-point lead to Wyoming and a nine-point lead to the Broncos. Looking ahead, the Spartans could fall to 0-3 in conference play after Tuesday’s bout against San Diego State (No. 21 in NET) and 2-6 by the end of January. The more SJSU loses (7-8, 0-2) the littler the chances it can clinch that .500 record to be eligible for the CBI.

Identifying a problem and the consequences is easy. Now comes the hard part: What’s the solution? 

Against Boise State, should Miles have yanked SJSU center William Humer out for good when he saw the Broncos O’mar Stanley pulverizing him in the paint in the first half? Maybe a smaller, but quicker lineup could’ve prevented Stanley from scoring 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Whatever that solution may be, SJSU can’t make getting outrebounded 43-23 and outscored 20-5 on second chance opportunities a habit. 

Or, should Miles have sat wings Tibet Gorener or Trey Anderson at any moment down the stretch on Friday? The pair shot a combined 1-for-13 from three and contributed to a brutal offensive lowlight: Zero SJSU field goals in the final five minutes of the game. By inserting freshman Latrell Davis into the game, Miles could’ve gotten an offensive boost to vault SJSU back into contention.

Perhaps the real shame, is that stellar individual performances now linger in an awkward space. 

On Friday night, junior guard MJ Amey delivered SJSU the game-changing pedigree of former Spartan and 2022-23 Mountain West Player of the Year Omari Moore. In the first half he strung together 25 points on a 5-for-7 clip from three, three steals and five rebounds. But after halftime that fire and locomotive intensity came to a screeching halt and he scored just five points.

Is it fair to ask Amey to score 35-40 points and not 30? Probably not. Unfortunately, the door to that conversation crept open as the Broncos polished off a 78-69 victory. 

What about last Tuesday when Cardenas scored 21 points, snatched nine rebounds and dished four assists in the 75-73 loss to Wyoming? Is it incumbent upon him to find a way to do more? This again is a resounding no. But when SJSU plays the kind of defense to allow Wyoming to explode for 40 second half points, these types of questions creep to the surface. 

“Just got to move on and bounce back,” Amey said Friday in a dejected tone.

Conventional wisdom would say the Spartans are just in the “dog days” of a rebuild. Where there’s no such thing as a loss. Just a set of information to learn and grow from for next year. 

NIL and the transfer portal, however, have rearranged rebuild conventional wisdom into myopic truths. 

In this new reality, stellar play from Cardenas (13.6 points and 5.7 assists per game) or Amey (15 points per game) could mean playing for a better school next season – not continuing Miles’ rebuild. 

Their motivation to go from a Mid-Major to a High-Major is the same reason they spurned interest from low-level NCAA schools and waited for a Division I offer: Better competition equates to more exposure and therefore better post-college opportunities. 

By playing against superior talent, Cardenas could very well put himself in position to make the Spanish national team or play for Liga ACB, Spain’s premier basketball league. If his nifty playmaking, grit and intensity works at a Power Five chances are it could work well there, too. 

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Amey, meanwhile, could play for a different professional league overseas. Those scoring outbursts could be alluring to any international team seeking a game-changer. 

Some might feel this is far too forward-looking. After all, it’s been just two conference games. 

There’s 16 games left. Things can change. 

Maybe the situation wouldn’t feel so alarming if the losses to BSU and Wyoming were one-off scenarios. But throughout non-conference play, SJSU hinted it would struggle in this realm.

In a mid-November loss to Abilene Christian, SJSU was up 43-33 at the half and allowed 44 points in the second half. A couple of weeks later, in a loss to Cal Poly, SJSU was up 38-30 at the half and allowed 39 points in the second half and 12 in overtime. And in a December loss against Montana, SJSU was up 40-37 at the half and allowed 49 points in the second half.

This is not the case of a team struggling to replace its previous offensive closer in Moore. 

This is the case of a team that can’t maintain the defensive effort required to close games.  

On the flip side, imagine if SJSU did maintain the defensive effort required to close games.  

That 7-8 could very well be a 12-3. If that happened, SJSU would prove to the Mountain West it can compete without an NIL presence. Furthermore, Miles and co. could take pride in knowing they can recruit and develop overlooked talent at an elite level. 

But now, all fans are left with is Miles showing that inch-wide margin. 

“That close.”

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Mountain West Basketball: 2023-2024 Conference Schedule Announced

With a little over a month on the ole college basketball countdown tracker, entities around the sport continue to release 2023-24 schedules.

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MWC Basketball: 2023-2024 Conference Schedule Announced

A first look at this year’s conference slate.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

The 2023-2024 Mountain West Conference schedule release.

With a little over a month on the ole college basketball countdown tracker, entities around the sport are almost done releasing conference, non-conference & multi-team event participation for the 2023-2024 season.

The announcement also came with this season’s national T.V. schedule. With the hype earned from San Diego State’s Cinderella run to the National Championship game this past March. There will likely be more eyes on the Mountain West than ever before. And as in years past fans around the conference as well as newcomers gained from the big dance can catch their favorite team on CBS & Fox outlets.

This season each team will play nine home games & make nine away games. As of now, league play kicks off on January 2nd, when New Mexico heads north to Fort Collins to take on Colorado State.

CBS

The first game on CBS will be on November 29th when Colorado State hosts in-state rival Colorado on CBS Sports Network. This will be the first of over forty-nine televised games across CBS and CBS Sports Network.

A key date to circle on the CBS broadcast calendar should be UNLV at National Championship runner up San Diego State on Saturday, January 6th. Another matchup to look forward to will be the Aztecs at league rival New Mexico on Saturday, January 13th. Both games between these two conference foes last season made for must-watch TV, we can look forward to much of the same with revamped rosters on both sides.

A last matchup of note will be between conference title contenders San Diego State and Boise State. This showdown of Mountain West heavy weights airs on CBS Saturday, January 20th.

Not to mention all games airing on CBS are also accessible via stream on Paramount+.

FOX

On the Fox side of things, thirty-two games will be televised nationally. The first FS1 broadcast is a non-conference meeting featuring Cal State Fullerton at San Diego State on Monday November 6th. Among the key conference games to catch on FOX is Utah State at San Diego State on Saturday, February 3rd.

As with CBS & Paramount+ all games on FS1 will also be available on the FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com.

But for those without access to any of CBS or Fox’s outlets, don’t worry. All other games will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network.

Important Dates

-January 2nd-League play begins with five contests

-March 9th-Regular Season Concludes

-The 2024 tournament will take place March 13th-16th

March Madness

CBS Sports will televise the Mountain West Basketball Championship as in years past. The quarterfinals & semifinals will air on the CBS sports Network. With the championship game televised on CBS (as well as Paramount+) on Saturday March 16th.

This is an exciting time around the Mountain West Conference. For the last year or so it appeared that the upcoming season was going to be the conference’s last hurrah. But as predictable yet at the same time unpredictable as conference realignment machine can be, here we are.

So with fresh eyes aplenty, rejuvenated fanbases throughout and a raised ceiling by San Diego State, fans this season should be excited to say the least.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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Tyson Degenhart Talks About His Expectations For Boise State

A feature story on Boise State forward Tyson Degenhart.

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Tyson Degenhart Talks About His Expectations For Boise State

An Interview With Boise State Forward Tyson Degenhart

Contact/Follow @Michaelbraydaly & @MWCwire

Degenhart discussed his previous two seasons and his expectations for next season at Boise State

Since Boise State forward Tyson Degenhart joined the program in 2021, he emerged as a team leader and one of the top players in the Mountain West. As Degenhart enters his junior season, he is aiming for another successful season at Boise State.

Degenhart recently sat down with the Mountain West Wire for an interview about his recruitment process, previous two seasons, expectations, and more. Growing up in Washington state, Degenhart stood out as one of the best players in the region. By playing AAU basketball in elementary school with Boise State head coach Leon Rice’s son, Kade Rice, Degenhart formed an early connection with Boise State.

At a basketball camp prior to his junior year of high school, Boise State offered a scholarship to Degenhart. Ultimately, Degenhart committed to Boise State. When asked about his relationship with Coach Rice, Degenhart praised his head coach.

“He’s just a great dude to be around. He totally understands the players’ side of things, while also understanding the coaches’ side of things,” Degenhart said. “He’s been a great guy to be at the helm of our program, and a great guy anyone would want to play for.”

Boise State’s coaching staff also received praise from Degenhart for their offseason work. This offseason, Rice has been away from the program while he is working as an assistant coach for the USA Basketball Men’s U19 World Cup Team in Hungary. Boise State assistants Mike Burns and Tim Duryea have led the team through offseason workouts.

Based on the last two seasons, Degenhart has been successful playing for Rice and Boise State. Last season, Degenhart was the team’s scoring leader with 14.1 points per game. Degenhart was an All-Mountain West First Team selection in 2022-2023. He spoke about his improvements as a sophomore:

“I played a lot better in the post,” Degenhart said. “Just adding that to my game when I posted up, I knew I could score one way or another, whether it was me scoring or kicking it out to a teammate. That has just really helped our offense with such great shooters like [Marcus Shaver Jr.], Chibuzo [Agbo], Max [Rice], and Naje [Smith].”

The Broncos finished the 2022-2023 campaign with a 24-10 record and reached the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year. Boise State had an early exit in the NCAA Tournament with a loss to Northwestern. In the same tournament, fellow Mountain West school, San Diego State, reached the Final Four and national championship for the first time in program history. Degenhart was asked about watching San Diego State represent the conference throughout the tournament.

“It wasn’t necessarily a surprise [to see San Diego State go on a tournament run], but it was one of those things that was super cool for our conference to have a team that we play against twice a year to make it to the national championship game,” Degenhart said.

Degenhart complimented the success of San Diego State’s Darrion Trammell and Lamont Butler in the Elite 8 and Final Four. He highlighted San Diego State’s recent history under former head coach Steve Fisher and current head coach Brian Dutcher. The Broncos split the season series with the Aztecs last season.

For Boise State to return to the tournament for a third straight season and have similar success that San Diego State had, Degenhart will need to have another strong season. Degenhart outlined his personal goal for next season.

“My personal goal is to be Mountain West Player of the Year,” Degenhart said. “I was first-team last year and we still have a lot of great players in the league like Isaiah Stevens coming back, Lamont Butler, and Jaelen House. As long as I take care of business and help our team win, that could definitely be on the table.”

For next season, Degenhart’s role will slightly change. With the additions of transfer forwards O’Mar Stanley and Cam Martin, Degenhart is expecting to leave his position as the starting center and return to playing power forward in the starting lineup. As a power forward, Degenhart plans on expanding his mid-range game and working on his three-point shooting.

Boise State is returning several key players for the 2023-2024 season, and the team will be expected to compete for a Mountain West Championship. Degenhart believes that this team can make a postseason run.

“We are not going to cap anything, but we can make it to the Final Four, As a team, if we can get that first win out of the way and forget about us not winning a game in the tournament, we are a second weekend team. Everyone believes that.”

In addition to being a standout college basketball player, Degenhart recently added podcast host to his resume. He recently started “The Tyson Degenhart Show” where he interviews notable figures in Boise State Athletics. He partnered with Idaho Central Credit Union to start the show.

After his basketball career is over, Degenhart wants to transition to a career in broadcasting as a play-by-play announcer, color commentator, or host. Degenhart has been busy with preparing for the upcoming regular season and pursuing interests outside of basketball.

Before the end of the summer, Degenhart and Boise State will take a trip up to British Columbia to play three exhibition games against Trinity Western University, University of the Fraser Valley, and Thompson Rivers University in July and August. These three games will be played in Vancouver and Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.

Max Rice’s Final Season At Boise State

What will Rice’s return mean for Boise State?

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Max Rice’s Final Season At Boise State

Looking Ahead To Rice’s Last Year Of Eligibility

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Can Boise State Make A Deep NCAA Tournament Run In Max Rice’s Final Season?

Following Boise State’s first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament, redshirt senior Max Rice announced in March that he would return to Boise State for his final year of eligibility in 2023.

Rice, who has been with the program since 2018, stepped into a leadership role last season. In the 2022-2023 season, Rice was the team’s second-leading scorer with 14.0 points-per-game.

He could have left the program to pursue a professional basketball career, but he decided to stay for one more chance to play meaningful basketball in the Mountain West Conference.

Returning for a 6th year will mean that Rice can play for his father, Leon Rice, for one last full season. This will give Rice a chance to reach the NCAA Tournament for a third-consecutive season.

The previous two seasons saw Boise State lose to Memphis and Northwestern in the opening round of the tournament. With Rice’s presence in the lineup, Boise State will try to win its first NCAA Tournament game. If the Broncos are going to have any postseason success, Rice will be a pivotal part of that run for Boise State.

With several key departures due to graduation, Rice will be an on-court leader in 2023. With another year of experience under his belt, Rice will be in a position to increase his scoring average from last season.

For next season, Boise State will also return Tyson Degenhart and Chibuzo Agbo. Rice, along with Degenhart and Agbo, will be expected to help the Broncos compete for a Mountain West championship. Boise State fans can anticipate seeing Rice as the primary scoring option throughout the season.

In 2022-2023, Rice had 16 games with at least 14 points. With the offense running through him in 2023, Rice will likely have more games with a minimum of 14 points scored.

Rice will be tasked with guiding the Broncos on a deep run in March 2024.