Boise State Basketball Dominates San Diego State, Eyes MWC Tournament

Boise State Basketball Continues Winning Streak with Victory Over San Diego State

The Boise State men’s basketball team extended its impressive late-season form with an 86-77 triumph over San Diego State at ExtraMile Arena on Tuesday night. This victory marks the Broncos’ fourth consecutive win as they head into Saturday’s regular-season finale against Colorado State.

Fielder’s Career Night Leads the Charge

Drew Fielder delivered a stellar performance, scoring a career-high 33 points to spearhead the Broncos (19-11, 11-8). The team is looking strong as they prepare for a crucial matchup against the Rams (19-10, 10-8), who are coming off a game against New Mexico (22-7, 13-5).

Aztecs Struggle, Tournament Hopes Dim

Reese Dixon-Waters led the slumping San Diego State Aztecs (19-10, 13-6) with 23 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their fourth loss in the last five games. The Aztecs now face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, a feat they haven’t missed since 2019. Their recent struggles highlight the competitive nature of the Mountain West Conference.

MWC Tournament: The Path to March Madness

For Boise State, the path to their fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in five seasons likely runs through the Mountain West Conference Tournament. A strong showing in the tournament is crucial for their postseason aspirations.

Key Takeaways from Tuesday’s Victory

Fast Start: Unlike their previous encounter where they trailed by 24 points, Boise State came out firing, building an early 22-5 lead thanks to contributions from Javan Buchanan, RJ Keene II, Andrew Meadow, Aginaldo Neto, and Pearson Carmichael.
Second-Half Control: After a San Diego State rally, Boise State regained control in the second half, extending their lead and securing a comfortable victory.
Dominant Rebounding: Boise State showcased their rebounding prowess, out-rebounding San Diego State 37-15, with Drew Fielder leading the charge with nine boards. This dominance on the glass is a key factor in their success.

Senior Night Recognition

Prior to the game, Boise State honored four seniors: Dylan Andrews, Dominic Parolin, Buchanan, and Keene II. RJ Keene II was notably recognized as the only Mountain West Conference player to have spent his entire career at one school. He is also seeking a medical redshirt waiver for a potential sixth year of eligibility.

Keene II’s Exceptional Playmaking

RJ Keene II continues to impress with his playmaking abilities, currently ranking sixth nationally with a remarkable 4.4 assists-to-turnover ratio. His leadership and court vision are invaluable to the Broncos.

Source: Sports Illustrated – Boise State Broncos

As Boise State basketball prepares for the MWC Tournament, their recent performance and rebounding dominance suggest they are a team to watch. The Broncos are poised to make a strong push for a coveted spot in March Madness.