Crucial Mountain West Clash: #47 Boise State Hosts #33 Utah State at ExtraMile Arena
Boise State (19-8, 11-5 MWC) hosts Utah State (24-4, 14-3 MWC) in a crucial Mountain West Conference matchup at ExtraMile Arena. The game tips off at 8:30 p.m. MT on FS1.
Utah State Boise State basketball game
Stakes are high for both teams - Utah State leads the Mountain West at #33 in NET Rankings, while Boise State (#47) sits just outside the NCAA Tournament bubble as ESPN's fifth team out.
The Broncos enter with momentum, having won six of their last seven games including a crucial victory over conference leader New Mexico. They boast a dominant 12-1 home record, averaging 76.1 points while outscoring opponents by 9.8 points per game.
Basketball player defended while dribbling
Utah State seeks to protect its conference lead and repeat as Mountain West champions. The Aggies won the first matchup 81-79 in January, overcoming a 13-point second-half deficit.
Key Stats:
- Boise State shoots 47.2% from the field
- Utah State averages 82.5 points per game (16.2 more than Boise State typically allows)
- ESPN BPI gives Boise State a 56.9% chance to win
- Betting line: Boise State -3.5
Four players in white uniforms
Players to Watch:
- Tyson Degenhart (Boise State): Recently named MWC Player of the Week, coming off career-high 32 points
- Alvaro Cardenas Torre (Boise State): Averaging 11.7 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.6 steals
- Dexter Akanno (Utah State): Coming off career-high 26 points vs San Diego State
Mason Falslev dribbles basketball
Mountain West Tournament Implications:
- Utah State aims to secure back-to-back conference championships
- Boise State needs the win to strengthen NCAA Tournament resume
- Victory would give Broncos another valuable Quad 1 win
Player dribbles ball on court
Player shooting basketball in blue uniform
Basketball players competing on court
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